Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out four talking points from the 2-0 home win over Ipswich Town.

THREE IN A ROW

After finishing 2018 with three consecutive defeats, it’s been a hat-trick of Championship wins for Rovers in 2019. Not since March 2015 have they managed to put together a similar run at this level.

They were favourites to achieve it against an Ipswich side with just one away win all season and marooned at the bottom of the league, but Rovers certainly struggled against the lesser sides at home last season.

An even after the exertions of a midweek FA Cup replay with Newcastle going all the way to extra time, Rovers had more than enough in their locker, even despite a subdued first half display, to see off the Tractor Boys.

It may have taken a penalty to open to the deadlock, but Rovers did hit the woodwork twice, while a trio of Bradley Dack shots went close to adding to his personal tally.

The League One campaign apart, not since November 2007 have Rovers managed four consecutive league victories.

CHALLENGE TO CHARLIE

It was not so long ago that it was a case of if Mulgrew is fit then Mulgrew plays. But now there seems a legitimate challenge to the skipper’s place, given the form of Jack Rodwell.

While it would be a big call to leave out the Rovers skipper should he be fit against Hull City, after missing the last three matches with a hamstring problem, it would too be harsh on Rodwell were he not to be selected after helping Rovers to back-to-back clean sheets.

The 27-year-old has proven his worth to this side in the last two matches, performing well alongside Darragh Lenihan in shut-outs against Millwall and Ipswich.

After 20 goals conceded in nine games prior to this run, consecutive clean sheets in the league for the first time since August is a big boost to Tony Mowbray.

AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW?

Joe Nuttall was falling between the cracks at Rovers, not getting much of a chance for the first team, but also missing vital game-time for the Under-23s in the process.

It was in November that the 21-year-old was handed an extended run for Damien Johnson’s side and he responded with nine goals in five matches.

That form was enough for him to earn a recall to the first team. He’s featured in each of Rovers’ last three matches, scoring in two of them, including with his first touch here and looks back to his hungry best.

Nuttall has done enough to stay within the Rovers fold rather than be loaned out, and seemingly overtaken Ben Brereton in the striking pecking order.

So can Brereton, seemingly short of confidence, and desperate for a goal, possibly learn from Nuttall? It would be a brave call from Mowbray to see his multi-million signing given a run in the Under-23s, but if he’s not getting game time for the first team, could the best thing for his development, and confidence, might be a run for Damien Johnson’s side?

He hasn't been brought on in the last two league games, and yet to complete 90 minutes for Rovers since joining. Mowbray has faith in Brereton, but it could be best for all parties if he's taken out of the firing line for the time being, and given chance to play freely without the scr

IMPACT OFF THE BENCH

Mowbray called for, at the back end of 2018, better impact from his substitutes. It has been a message received loud and clear, after Armstrong’s match-winning performance at Millwall was followed by Joe Nuttall scoring with his first touch.

Joe Rothwell filled his role of adding creativity from the left, when introduced at the break, and went close to scoring in the second half when denied by the post.

In Nuttall, Rovers may well have someone able to take the heat off Danny Graham.

The bench was boosted by the returns to the squad of Jack Rodwell and Corry Evans who took the places of Joe Grayson and Dan Butterworth.

And there could well be some decisions to make as to who is left out next week, should Mulgrew and Derrick Williams both be fit.