Brown's debut delight!

A four-month wait for a Rovers debut was well worth it for James Brown, who marked appearance number one with a win in the final game of the 2021-22 season.

Thrown in from the start at Birmingham City, Brown produced an assured display at right-back having been selected in place of countryman Darragh Lenihan.

Up against a tricky winger in the form of the Blues' on-loan Norwich City winger Onel Hernandez, the 23-year-old stuck to his task and ensured it was a frustrating afternoon for the Cuban wideman.

The cherry on the top of the cake for Brown, who made the switch to Rovers back in January from Drogheda United, was taking the points back to East Lancashire, with stunning efforts from John Buckley and Ben Brereton Diaz making sure the visitors ended the campaign on a high note thanks to the 2-1 victory.

“It was brilliant and it felt a long time coming," the Irish defender told RoversTV following the win.

“I hoped my opportunity would come a little earlier, but the gaffer told me that I was playing and the nerves set in almost right away.

“I woke up about five times the night before the game! I’m delighted to get it out of the way now and to play my part in a win

“Once you get your first pass in and win your first header, you feel much more comfortable. It turned into a normal game for me really.

“Being beside big [Daniel] Ayala, Ryan [Hedges] and Trav [Lewis Travis], these lads have a lot of appearances behind them and really help you. The lads have been great and they really helped ease me into it.

“The fans were right behind me, particularly in the first half, and I felt comfortable out there," he added.

“It’s a lot more enjoyable when you’re winning the game thanks to two rockets. I was right behind Bucko’s strike and it was unbelievable.

“I’ll look back on the day as a real positive.”