Harry Leonard hopes that 2025 can be a fruitful year for Rovers and on a personal level following a tough spell with injuries.

The young forward scored a dramatic late equaliser against Sunderland on Boxing Day and also came off the bench for the final stages against Hull City.

The goal was a special moment for Leonard, who spent the best part of a year on the sidelines due to a couple of freak injuries.

“It was really good, just a relief to be honest,” he told RoversTV. “I waited almost 12 months for that moment and it was a brilliant feeling, and one I’ve missed!

“I got myself in the middle of the six-yard box and hoped it would fall for me, and luckily it did. My eyes lit up and I just had to stay calm.

“A lot of people would just swipe at it and hope for the best, but it’s a difficult finish and luckily it ended up in the back of the net.

“The feeling, you can’t describe it. It’s an unbelievable feeling and one I will cherish.

“It was a really big game. Obviously, they are close to us in the league table and have got good players.

“But I thought we played really well first half and definitely deserved a point. On another day, we come away with all three and it’s a fair result.”

Injuries are a tough part of football and the mental side can sometimes be trickier than the recovery itself.

It was a challenging period for the Academy graduate but that feeling when he saw the ball hit the net made it all worthwhile.

Now, he is hungry to make the most of any opportunities that come his way and add more goals to his tally.

“When I was injured, it was a long time and I didn’t go many days without thinking about getting that moment back,” he continued.

“We had plenty of chats earlier in the season and obviously it has taken a bit of time, but good things come to those who wait.

“I always get in the positions, that is a habit I have had from a young age. Every striker misses chances but that one was definitely sweet. I will just be ready when I’m called upon and ready for future opportunities.”

Despite the Hull defeat, the league table still looks positive for John Eustace’s side entering the New Year.

Rovers are in fifth place and have a game in hand on most of the sides around them ahead of a tough trip to leaders Leeds United.

Lewis Travis and Harry Pickering both picked up injuries during the Christmas run-in, but Leonard is confident that others can step up.

“I think it has been a really strong start to the season,” he reflected. “There are a lot of lads who have been shining.

“Obviously, we have lost Picks and Trav for a few weeks but there are lads in there who can step up, definitely. Hopefully, it is a good 2025.”