John Eustace kept his cards close to his chest about a potential Blackburn Rovers defensive reshuffle with Kyle McFadzean suspended this week.

The Rovers head coach has named the same back three in the last six matches but will be forced into a change this weekend with McFadzean serving a one-match ban for his red card against Plymouth Argyle.

Connor O'Riordan and Billy Koumetio are on standby, with Harry Pickering and Ben Chrisene also capable of slotting in as a third centre-back. That could open the door for Ryan Hedges to start.

Eustace gave little away as to whether Rovers might go with a back four to add an extra attacker or whether he'll stick with the 5-2-3 shape that he's favoured so far.

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On O'Riordan specifically, the Rovers boss would have no qualms about throwing him in for his first Championship start with minutes limited since his mid-season switch from Crewe Alexandra.

"We can do (change shape). We have two or three really good centre-halves who are waiting in the wings to step in. We have some very good options," he said.

"The club wouldn't have signed him if they didn't think he could have a big future. I've seen enough in training in the last three or four weeks to say he's a very talented young player with a big future.

"We have to protect some of the younger players in terms of the time of the season and where we are at. It's important we don't put too much pressure on them to come in and perform. 

"It's been a pleasure working with him until now. When you sign any player, it's about the development of themselves and to make the club better.

"It doesn't matter how old they are or where they have come from. The club have done their homework on the players and I believe Connor will have a big future at this club. There is no rush for that to happen."

Rovers have had their first free week on the training ground since Eustace came in after a very hectic run of matches. They've had some time to work on things on and off the ball but also to get some recovery time for those who have been battling through knocks.

After no wins in seven Championship matches under Eustace, fans are desperate for a victory to ease their fears of relegation to League One.

"I think it's great for the lads to get a bit of a break, the effort they have put in," Eustace said.

"We have spoken about how a lot of the players have come back from injury and had to play three, four, five games in a row. That is full credit to them, the commitment and the desire is there to see.

"It's important to get the balance right. It's important to have a good few days on the training pitch but also three or four of the boys have needed rest and quite rightly so.

"It's been a really good week. We have to take each game as it comes and keep picking points up. There are a lot of teams that are there or thereabouts.

"We take each game as it comes, I won't put a magic number. We have taken five points or eight points if you consider the influence we had on Stoke counted for anything.

"We have to look positive on anything, it's very positive that the whole club is positive. The fans, the players, the media, the staff. Everyone, let's look forward.

"We have lost twice in eight which is a big achievement after coming with eight defeats in 11. We have plenty of positives to take from it but we're taking each game as it comes and be positives."

Rovers are facing Middlesbrough at the wrong time. Their season appeared to be over after a poor run of form.

However, three wins in a row, including a 1-0 victory at Birmingham City in midweek, has reinvigorated their hopes of a late push into the play-off places.

"They're in good form, they have won their last three games which is understandable with the size and quality of the squad they have got," Eustace added.

"They have an excellent team and they're coached very well. It's a game that we're looking forward to. We will go full of confidence after another battling performance on Saturday.

"We'll see where it takes us. It's about winning games, believing in the process. I think we've made good strides since we came in. 

"We had to turn defeats into draws and now we have to turn them into victories. We believe in what we're doing, the players have had a great week's training and we'll be ready.

"That's the Championship, it is what it's all about. Being level-headed, don't get too carried away with the highs or the lows."