Corry Evans’ return to the side has coincided with Rovers’ winning run, and it’s his ability to recycle possession that has made the difference.

That’s the view of manager Tony Mowbray who admits the midfielder’s international commitments did play a part in his lack of game-time in the early months of the campaign.

Evans had started just three times prior to the home win over Brentford last month but has since strung an impressive trio of displays together in the middle of midfield.

With the manager having chopped and changed in that area, the partnership of Evans and Lewis Travis has helped Rovers to three straight wins, with Rovers having won 10 of the 13 matches they have been paired together.

“He plays on the front foot so the number of times he turns the ball over for us from the opposition’s passing because he anticipates and reads things,” Mowbray said of the 29-year-old’s importance.

“That’s crucial for the way we play because then it goes into Dack, Armstrong runs, Dack swivels finds Armstrong who crosses it and Graham scores or whoever.

“You have to turn the ball over in midfield and Evans is as good as we’ve got at doing that and getting us on the front foot.”

Evans, when fit, has been a regular for Northern Ireland, and prior to his current run in the team, had made more starts for his country this season than his club.

He will be eyeing a fourth consecutive start when Rovers head to Swansea City tomorrow, as he looks to continue his run in the side.

“I think Corry’s enjoying his football, at times he’s been frustrated because he goes away on international duty in September, October and November,” Mowbray explained.

“Then he comes back after two weeks and we don’t really recognise the player because he hasn’t done much training or played a couple of games for an hour.

“Frankly I then don’t put him in the team because he’s not up to the speed to the players who’ve been here and so he’s had a stop-start start to the season.

“Now the internationals are finished he’s right back at it and is looking a really good footballer.”

Travis has been a near ever-present in the side for Rovers, starting 17 of their 20 Championship matches.

He and summer signing Bradley Johnson were the first-choice pairing in the early weeks of the season, starting all six matches in August together.

Johnson has now been an unused substitute in six consecutive matches since being replaced at Birmingham City in October.

With Evans in the side, Mowbray feels that allows Travis more licence to break forward, as shown by his driving run that created a chance for Adam Armstrong at the weekend.

Mowbray said: “He’s a young boy who needs some guidance and Corry is now a regular international footballer.

“I think the combination of the two of them, they have good legs, good athleticism, a bit of youthful drive and a guy who can read the game and nick things and pinch it for us.”