Simon Eastwood 8

Made first-half saves from Diouf and Moses and epitomised Rovers’ commitment by racing out to prevent a consolation goal late on

Adam Henley 8

With Jason Lowe set for a fresh spell on the sidelines the right back did his claims for a starting place no harm at all

Shane Duffy 9

Lost Peter Crouch for Stoke’s goal but thereafter was absolutely immense and it was from his towering header that Josh King nodded Rovers level

Matt Kilgallon 8

Can only hope he will be able to shake off the knock he picked up. The stand-in skipper produced another no-nonsense display

Markus Olsson 8

Rovers’ player of the season so far certainly did not look out of place against Premier League opposition

Chris Taylor 8

Unable to continue his record of scoring in every round but the tireless midfielder was everywhere

Lee Williamson 6

It was clear from the kick-off that Rovers were going to get stuck in and he certainly led from the front in that respect

Tom Cairney 7

Struggled to get a grip on the game in the first 20 minutes but got stronger thereafter and was always looking for the probing pass

Ben Marshall 6

Injured his shoulder inside the first 60 seconds but only came off after the Potters struck

Rudy Gestede 9

Scored one, should have had at least one more, and set up two of his strike-partner’s three goals, was at his monstrous best

Josh King 9

Blasted against the bar in the 20th minute but from then on the hat-trick hero did not put a foot wrong

Substitutions

Craig Conway for Marshall (11) Corry Evans for Williamson (46) Luke Varney for King (79)

Not used 

Jason Steele, Tommy Spurr, Grant Hanley, Jordan Rhodes.