John Eustace says Rovers need their supporters “more than anything” ahead of tonight’s derby against Preston North End.

Eustace’s side are looking to bounce back from three successive defeats in the Championship amid a tough spell with injuries.

There has been some frustration from the fanbase, who are hoping to see further additions to the squad before the window slams shut on Monday night.

But Eustace insists the supporters have a big role to play and is grateful for their backing through the highs and lows.

“As a head coach, I have been very proud of the efforts of the fans this season,” he told The Lancashire Telegraph. “Even coming in last year, we came in at a real difficult period where maybe the fans were not connected as much with the club.

“But I asked for that connection with the players and I felt we got that at the end of the season, which got us through a lot of difficult moments. I think that has grown.

“I think the fans can see the effort that this group are putting in and although we have not signed any players at the moment, this group of players are willing to run through brick walls for this football club.

“That is something that the fans should be very proud of. I know the players are very proud of how the fans have been as well and we just want to keep building.

“This football club now - and especially the group of players we have got - are fighters, they are not victims. It is very easy for us to get our heads down and be disappointed about certain things, but we are not.

“We have had a fantastic season up to now. We are going through a difficult moment in the Championship, which every team goes through. This group of players won't let anyone down and they need these fans more than anything now in the last 17 games.”

The fine margins have gone against Rovers in the past few games, but Eustace cannot fault the commitment of his players.

“I think (the fans) can see the effort of the group,” the head coach continued. “And it is not for me, it's the players. The players are the most important people, they cross the white line.

“If they can see the support of the fans behind them, I think that can be very powerful. I think the performances of the players, the never-say-die attitude is there for everyone to see.

“We have not got the strongest squad, we were favourites for relegation. There is lots that we could talk about with 33 goals going out the team (from Sam Szmodics’ exit).

“We are playing players who have not had much game time this season so there are lots of things we could blame.

“But all I could say is that the effort of the group of players who turn up week in, week out is fantastic. I think the fans should be proud of that and just back the boys through thick and thin.”