"An exciting team to be involved in"

He's been back in the first team for under a month, but Scott Wharton's slotted in seamlessly and has been a crucial figure in the team's recent form.

Since the 24-year-old's return from injury, Rovers have won three games and drawn the other to move into the play-offs and up to fifth place in the table.

Blackburn-born and a big Rovers supporter, Wharton knows just how much a derby match means to the fans, with Preston North End making the short trip east this weekend at Ewood Park.

He's certain to start once again for his boyhood team on Saturday and he's pleased to have played his part in back-to-back clean sheets coming into the game, with shutouts earned against Peterborough United and Stoke City.

“I’ve always been someone who’s backed myself, doing my job and being switched on," he told RoversTV when reflecting on the last few results.

“It’s been a good last four games for us and I’ve enjoyed being a part of it. For me, it’s about anticipating things, knowing that next pass, winning those headers.

“I’m enjoying it, I’m feeling good, feeling sharp and things have gone well. It’s an exciting team to be involved in, there’s competition for places, we’re all playing well and working hard.

“We’re a young squad who are going out there, giving it our all and doing what we can. We give it our all, we run our legs off, create chances and keep things tight at the back.

“Sheffield United at home was a great example of what we’re all about as a team," he recollected when thinking back to the 3-1 win over the Blades last month.

“We went behind early on but we created so many chances, we were flying forward at will and it was a really enjoyable game to be a part of.

“We look strong, fit and I’m excited to be in this team.”