Blackburn Rovers' on-loan Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo says he is looking forward to getting a run of games in Tony Mowbray's starting XI, after a stop-start first few months of his time at Ewood Park.

Having joined Rovers on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window, Adarabioyo has so far made just three appearances for the club, after a start to the campaign hampered by injury.

But with fellow centre back Darragh Lenihan now set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury during the 4-2 defeat at QPR in the final game before the October international break, it now looks as though Adarabioyo is set for a run in the side, something he appears to be relishing.

Speaking to Rovers' official website about his start to the season, the defender said: “Injuries are always tough for footballers and I’ve had one or two already this season, but hopefully I can get things going now."

With Lenihan absent, it looks as though it could be Derrick Williams that Adarabioyo links up with in the centre of Blackburn's defence, having previously done so at times this season, and that is partnership Adarabioye appears happy to re-establish, continuing: “I feel that me and Del [Williams] did well in that game at Fulham together, but it’s up to the gaffer who he picks.

“We’ve had a two-week break to work on things and improve, so hopefully we can show that on Saturday."

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Blackburn are currently 14th in the Championship standings with four wins and two draws from their opening 11 league games of the season, and assessing his new side's start to the campaign, the defender added: “It’s been an up and down start for us so far, but I feel now the time is to push on and aim for those top spots.

“Everyone was annoyed after the QPR game because we all felt it was a game that we should be winning if we want to get into those play-off spots.

“Everyone knows what the results have been like in recent weeks, but it’s time to move forward now."

Rovers are next in action when they host recently relegated Huddersfield at Ewood Park on Saturday, and assessing the challenge the Terriers will pose, Adarabioyo concluded: “Huddersfield still have Premier League players in their side so we know it’ll be a tough game for us.”

The Verdict

This looks like it will be a big opportunity for Adarabioyo.

With Lenihan facing several weeks on the sidelines, the next few games should give the Manchester City loanee the chance to stake a claim for one of those two centre back spots on a more regular basis this season.

Having already looked reasonably solid in his few appearances for Blackburn this season, I don't think there should be too much concern about Adarabioyo stepping in over the next few weeks in the absence of Lenihan.

Add to that his experiences on loan at West Brom at this level last season, and you would imagine Adarabioyo will be more than ready to step in here, as he looks to catch the eye of those monitoring his progress back at The Etihad.