Rovers are ready to go again when Hull City come to town as the games come thick and fast over the festive period.

There were plenty of positives to take from the 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Boxing Day, with Harry Leonard netting a last-gasp equaliser.

John Eustace’s men have won six of their last eight games in the Championship, losing just once, as they aim to keep building momentum.

“That is the Championship,” Eustace said of the demanding schedule. “It is the Christmas period and we are looking forward to each game.

“We have got some really difficult games coming up and we take each one step by step. We are looking forward to each challenge.

“I think Hull are a really exciting team, they have got a lot of technical footballers there. Obviously, the new manager coming in there. He likes to play a certain style of football.

“It is going to be a really difficult game. We only played them four games ago so we know that they have a quality squad of players.

“The manager is a very good coach. It is going to be a tough challenge.”

Nearly 25,000 supporters were in attendance at Ewood Park against Sunderland, and the head coach hopes that his side can gain a boost from the crowd again on Sunday afternoon.

“The fans have been brilliant all season,” he added. “Home and away, they have been very committed to the players. That is what I asked for and they are certainly giving that.

“The noise when we scored both goals was outstanding and when we went 2-1 down, the way they really supported the boys was magnificent. The 12th man certainly paid off.”

Rovers got on the front foot from the first whistle against the Black Cats and will be looking for another quick start against the Tigers.

“I thought the first half was probably one of the best we have had this season, and we have had some good ones,” Eustace reflected.

“I was delighted with the way we played and moved the ball, it was really exciting, attacking football.

“It would have been great if we had been a little more clinical and come in two or three up, but we didn’t.

“We knew that our backs would be up against the wall a little bit in the second half, against a quality team.

“Going 2-1 down, we had to show another side of our game. We have got that spirit and togetherness to keep going to the end and get the point.”

Rovers also took points off Leeds and Middlesbrough last month, and the head coach says they are playing with confidence and belief.

“We try to set them up to play a certain way but when they cross the white line, it is down to them to perform,” he insisted.

“I think they have been doing that throughout the season. I go back to that first Derby game, I thought the football we played was outstanding and the way we defended.

“That has been getting better and better. The way the group is, they have full confidence in each other.

“They look forward to each game, each test that comes, home and away, we are prepared and see where it takes us.”