STRIKERS ARE STRIVING

THE additions of loan men Sam Gallagher and Marvin Emnes has really shaken up the Rovers forward ranks, with the pair starting on Saturday for the second league game running.

They didn’t manage a goal before Derby took the lead in the 69th minute, but they gave the Rams defence a few worries and Gallagher should have had an early penalty when he was tripped by Scott Carson.

The difference this time was that Danny Graham was fit again and on the bench - and when he came on he had the fresh legs to make the most of Emnes’ brilliant pass to slot home the winner.

‘Magic’ Marvin had already netted an equaliser, to make it three goals in four games since his deadline day arrival.

And just think how Anthony Stokes - a high profile summer buy from north of the border - feels watching all this. He’ll be raring to go when he’s off the treatment table, just as Graham was at the iPro.

Strikers with something to prove.... now there’s a thing.

NO LATE NERVES

ROVERS boss Owen Coyle was getting sick of having to explain why his side were leaking late goals.

They’d shipped six in their previous seven matches before Saturday, so when they went 2-0 up with 17 minutes left to play, the travelling fans would have been forgiven for feeling a knot in the stomach.

But this time they held on and in relative comfort.

That will spread plenty of confidence through the ranks, especially a back four who are still getting to know each other.

Centre-halves Gordon Greer and Tommie Hoban dealt with former England striker Darren Bent pretty well. Derrick Williams was calm and controlled at left-back. Only Jason Lowe was given the runaround, from Rams winger Ikechi Anya in the first half. But he showed his experience by getting on top in the second half, so much so that Anya switched flanks late on.

FAMILIAR FACES

THIS was the first time Coyle has been able to field the same team for consecutive matches, and it showed on the pitch as every player seemed to know their job.

Continuity certainly helps, and with injuries starting to clear up it will hopefully be because someone deserves a call-up, rather than just filling gaps that will see changes in the future.