Dominic Samuel believes back-to-back home games could prove key to Rovers’ chances this season and is hoping to play his part.

Samuel made a first league start since the opening day of last season against Charlton and backed that up when given another go in attack at Brentford.

He will look to make it a hat-trick when Rovers entertain Stoke City tonight, the first of two home matches this week with Swansea City due at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Rovers’ home form could prove pivotal as they look to keep pace with the top six, with six more matches at Ewood to come before the season is out.

Samuel hopes Rovers can continue with the momentum that has seen them win four and draw two of their last seven matches, but believes it will be who can respond best to setbacks that could well decide who breaks in to the play-off spots come May.

He said: “We’ve been strong at home this year, so two home games coming up we’ll be looking to grab them with both hands.

“If we can take three points in both of them then we’ll be really fighting for a play-off chance.

“The main thing is to keep picking up points in this league and it can take you anywhere.

“In this league anyone can beat anyone and I think it will be who can have the cutting edge to go all the way.

“You have to keep with it and hope that you can come out on top.

“If you do lose a game it’s how quickly you bounce back from that and you have to keep sticking with it.

“This is the Championship and why you have to have a big squad with playing so many matches in a week.

“You need fresh legs to keep the momentum going.”