Kyle McAllister was the unsung hero in last weekend's Derby Day victory over Cheltenham Town.

The Scotsman put in a stellar performance in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, filling in amid the absence of the suspended Corey O'Keeffe.

McAllister has played at left wing-back, centre-midfield and as a second striker during his time at Rovers - but playing at right wing-back ticked off a new position.

"I'd played wing-back a couple of times in Scotland - but it's a completely different role in Scottish football compared to what it is in English football," the 23-year-old said. "There's a lot more running to do in English football and it's tough.

"I've practiced enough in training sessions to get used to playing there. I play a lot of different positions in training; right wing-back, left wing-back, centre-mid, striker, right-wing. I've been enjoying playing in different positions and trying different things out."

"Having the defenders around me in training and being able to watch them helps me with playing the wing-back role. The centre-backs kept me in place when I wasn't used to the position and gradually it's got easier as the season has gone on."

McAllister has started Rovers' last four league games and has played a significant role in the turnaround in form. He puts the recent good performances down to a shift in training intensity, which he believes has improved the fitness of the squad.

"It's good to be on a run of games that we've played well in. We've changed up training a wee bit and we've become more of a team.

"I think at the start we might have been lacking a slight bit of fitness compared to the other teams and it took us a few games to realise that.

"On Tuesdays and Wednesdays we're doing a lot more running towards the end of the sessions. We're enjoying it a lot more because we're feeling the benefits from it every weekend."

Rovers have won three games on the bounce in all competitions and now face Derby County in their last game before Christmas. It's a return to Pride Park for McAllister, who signed for the Rams in 2017, but didn't make a first-team appearance after injuries hindered his progress.

The East Midlands side have lost just two of their 11 league games under new boss Paul Warne - and find themselves outside the play-offs on goal difference.

"It's going to be difficult because they're a great team. But we couldn't be asking for a better way to go into the game.

"We've had a good couple of games and we're playing well as a team. I don't think we'll look at them and go 'they're going to be a lot better than us'. We're just going to go and play our football and hopefully we can get a result."