Lewis Travis admits being without Sondre Tronstad is a “massive blow” for Rovers – but insists it is a chance for others to show what they can do.

Travis and Tronstad formed an effective partnership in the middle of the pitch during the opening months of the season, which was broken before Christmas when the skipper picked up an injury.

As one comes back into the mix, the other is now facing a spell on the sidelines after limping off at Oxford.

John Buckley delivered a solid display against Preston North End and Adam Forshaw made his first start at Bristol City a week prior.

“For me, (Tronstad) has been one of the best players this season,” said Travis, who returned to the starting line-up against PNE.

“I think it is a massive blow, but it is time for other people to step in. It is time for them to do their thing.

“A lot of teams go through injuries but it has been unfortunate that we have had most of them at the same time.”

It was a frustrating spell for Travis, who had to watch from the sidelines during the busy Christmas period.

Missing the East Lancashire derby against Burnley was particularly tough to take, with nearly 26,000 supporters packed into Ewood Park.

“I want to be available for every game and when the lads are not getting the results they probably deserve, it is tough,” he stated ahead of Friday night's derby.

“I have always been one to lead and I feel good now, so I want to get back in there and start playing well again.”

Travis added: “The results probably haven't been good enough, we all know that, but it is time to go on a run now.

“If we sat here at the start of the season and said we would be (around the top six) going into the last 17 games, you would snap someone’s hand off for that!

“We know we can put three, four or five wins together. We are not feeling the pressure or anything like that, but we just need to keep believing and put it out on the grass.”

It has been a crazy 12 months for the midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich as the Tractor Boys secured promotion to the Premier League.

But his only focus is getting back to his best on the pitch and helping Rovers push for a play-off spot come the end of the campaign.

“You probably could not have scripted it,” Travis reflected. “But I am here, I am fit now and I want to get back playing well. That is where I want to be.”

“When the fans are right behind us, it is such a boost. I think the fans know that all the lads here give 110 per cent,” he added.