Rovers' new assistant manager Eric Black admits it is a disappointment not to have another game this weekend.

Eric was in the dugout for Rovers' 1-1 draw at Everton last time out and was hugely impressed with what he saw.

And whilst he is still finding his feet at the club, he would happily have swapped the extra time on the training pitch for the chance to see his charges build on their recent run of Premier League results.

"I thought the performance against Everton was exceptional," said the Scot.

"The confidence of the young players to retain the ball was excellent and we created enough chances, so it was an effective way of playing and hopefully if we can get more performances like that then I think we'll get our rewards.

"I was extremely encouraged by the performance - a lot of young players with a confidence and a bravery to take the ball, and I thought that was exceptional, which, if we continue to do it, should dictate hopefully that we get more outcomes and more positive results.

"So I think I would have preferred to have another game and to get in and about it again to see what we can produce.

"It does give you a chance to get another four football sessions potentially before Newcastle and we have been able to do some physical testing with the players, which is a great thing to have mid-season, so there are a lot of positives, however I do like the games and it would have been nice to go again on Saturday."