Most Rovers supporters would have snatched your hand off to be sitting fifth in the table heading into the halfway stage of the campaign.

The squad were written off by many as they entered the season without Sam Szmodics, whose goals were crucial in beating the drop last term.

But Rovers have gone from strength to strength under John Eustace in recent months, finding a way to consistently get points on the board.

The head coach hailed his side’s dedication and hopes they can keep “proving people wrong” in the Championship.

When asked if Rovers have proven their play-off credentials in recent weeks, he replied: "I think it just shows from the start of the season, everyone has to get things in perspective that we were favourites for relegation.

"So let's get something right, we are not like a Sunderland or the other teams who have been together for a long time, invested very well, very exciting players there.

“We have a real good group of players who are very honest. They play some really exciting football themselves now, I think we are evolving as a football team.

“But they have that commitment and desire to keep proving people wrong. Up to now, we have done that in the 22 games.

“The Championship is relentless, it’s a difficult league. We just have to keep working hard each day, take each game as it comes and see where it takes us.”

The late defeat at Millwall was tough to take, having finished the game with 10 men after Lewis Travis limped off, but there were no signs of a hangover on Boxing Day.

“We take each game as it comes,” Eustace added. “Last week at Millwall, I think with 11 men we see out the game, no problems.

“The last 20 minutes with 10 men - against a team who keep putting the ball in the box – eventually, something was going to give.

“I was very proud of the efforts last week – we started Amario (Cozier-Duberry), O-chan (Yuki Ohashi) and Makhtar (Gueye).

“It was good experience for them, it is about developing the group and keep learning all the time. I think we are doing that.

“Even today, Amario coming on was very good. Makhtar coming on and making a difference, Johnny Buckley coming on. It is just about our squad of players and we have a great squad here already.”

For all of their positive attacking play, one of the key moments against the Black Cats came in the final stages when Aynsley Pears bravely denied Eliezer Mayenda.

Pears made a big save at the death (Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker) “It just shows the spirit the boys have got,” said the head coach. “We equalised and then tried to go and win the game, we lost a bit of discipline there.

“Aynsley has been top drawer all season up to now. We have got 10 clean sheets which is a fantastic return, that is down to Aynsley and the team.

“When the boy was going through one-on-one, I was confident that Aynsley would save it and I’m glad he did.”

Sunderland are another side who have handed plenty of opportunities to youngsters and are reaping the rewards this season.

Eustace was quizzed about the similarities between the club’s approaches and whether it is a ‘blueprint’ Rovers can follow as they aim to keep progressing.

“100 per cent. Even back in League One, when they started that, they had a lot of experienced players in that squad to help the young players come through,” he explained.

“It is about getting the right balance and seeing those young players progress, that is what it’s all about.

“They have got a fantastic Academy system there, they play young players and are a really good footballing team.

“They do things right there and I think we do things right here as well, the way we develop our players, and it is great that one of our own got the equaliser.”