Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.

David Raya 7

Nothing he could do about Assombalonga’s stunning strike, but generally dealt well under the high ball.

Ryan Nyambe 6

Kept getting in to good positions, but made better use of the ball in the first half than he did the second.

Paul Downing 6

Saw a first half header fly over, and generally defended well, but was fortunate not to be punished for a poor mistake late on.

Charlie Mulgrew 8 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Scored an excellent free kick as Rovers made Boro pay moments after going down to 10 men. Made one excellent recovery tackle on Hugill in the second half, and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

Derrick Williams 6

A few shaky moments at the back but used the ball well going forward. Booked for a first half foul.

Richie Smallwood 6

Harried well but sometimes chose the wrong option on the ball. Sacrificed as Rovers went in search of a winner.

Corry Evans 7

Had a great chance just before the break after Graham’s shot was saved. Good in possession, and made several smart interceptions, but sometimes needed to play at a higher tempo.

Harrison Reed 6

His desire to cut in from the flank wasn’t always helpful against 10 men. Saw a dipping effort kept out by Randolph late on.

Bradley Dack 8

Involved in the sending off and was unlucky not to see a left foot effort nestle in the bottom corner. Rovers’ best play came through him.

Craig Conway 6

No shortage of effort but not quite with the same end product as last week.

Danny Graham 7

His aerial prowess proved an asset in defence, while only an Ayala blocked denied him a fourth goal of the month.

Subs

Adam Armstrong (for Conway, 70) 5

Didn't make the most of his good opportunities in the final third, and will rue not shooting first time after being played in by Dack late on.

Joe Rothwell (for Smallwood, 75) 6

A few smart touches, and one excellent cross-field pass, used in his favoured central role.

Ben Brereton (for Reed, 85) 5

Brought on too late to really have an impact.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Darragh Lenihan, Amari’i Bell, Kasey Palmer