Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the defeat at Wigan Athletic. 

Christian Walton 5

His decision to try and play out from the back late on angered his manager. Claimed a foul as Evans slammed home the opener. Nothing he could do with the second, and few saves of note.

Ryan Nyambe 7 

Got forward to good effect throughout, providing real width on the right, and while he didn’t almost make the most of it, one excellent second half cross almost led to an opening for Armstrong.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Got the better of things in the physical battle with Kieffer Moore. Made four clearances and three interceptions.

Tosin Adarabioyo 6

While Walton put him in trouble with his short goal kick, tried to be too ambitious with his pass that eventually led to the Wigan goal.  That apart, was solid defensively.

Elliott Bennett 5

Wasn’t found wanting for effort, but was with his positioning at times, and also an inability to go down the outside saw several moves lose momentum.

Lewis Travis 7

One excellent recovery run in the first half, and linked up well with Nyambe down the right. Snatched a shot in the second half before being forced off after taking a knock.

Joe Rothwell 5

Flattered to deceive at times, too often running in to bodies. Never shied away from getting on the ball though, and did go close with a free-kick.

Stewart Downing 6

Went close with two free-kicks, and swung in an excellent cross which Gallagher headed over. May be required at left back on Tuesday night.

Lewis Holtby 5

Dropped deeper and deeper as he struggled to get involved in the game, though was fouled three times in promising positions. Played as a false No.9 but looks a better player when facing the opposition goal, rather than his own.

Ben Brereton 6

Didn’t know whether to stick or twist and times in tracking full back Byrne. Carried the ball well at times, but couldn’t get his shot away during a first half counter.

Sam Gallagher 5

Couldn’t keep his second half header on target in his one clear sight of goal. Came up against a tough customer in Robinson before being substituted midway through the second half.  

Subs

Bradley Johnson (for Travis, 64) 5

Tried to ascert his physical presence on the game. 

Dominic Samuel (for Gallagher, 64) 6

Looking fit and strong, and went close with a header, and also to turning home an Armstrong cross. A midweek start may follow. 

Adam Armstrong (for Holtby, 64) 6

Injected life in to Rovers right from the moment he was introduced. 

Danny Graham (for Brereton, 79) 5

His introduction was a little too long in the waiting. 

Jacob Davenport (for Rothwell, 84) 5

 

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Hayden Carter, Charlie Mulgrew, Richie Smallwood