Kristi Montgomery on Sheffield United rematch and Deepdale defensive role

Montgomery partnered Sean McLoughlin at the heart of defence at Deepdale, reverting to his usual midfield role when Hayden Carter was brought off the bench for the final half hour.

The 22-year-old had played right-back during his journey through the Academy ranks, and he insisted it wasn’t too different.

“It is obviously a different experience, a different challenge. But throughout my career, up until around Under-16s level, I played as a right-back,” he recalled.

“So in a positional sense, it wasn't really too different. I had Sean (McLoughlin) by the side of me, helping me out and talking me through the game so it wasn't too much of a challenge.

“Obviously, it's a different position so you have got to be wary of that. But, of course, it's just football at the end of the day.”

“Sam Morsy dropped into that position once Tom Atcheson got the red card, so that was also another option,” Montgomery added.

“But I was ready at that point because (Mowbray) knew I could play as a right-back and I've played as a right-back before. And obviously, with my height and my athleticism, it probably was the right fit.”

Rovers now have back-to-back games at Ewood Park. First up is a rematch with Sheffield United, and then Millwall make the trip to Lancashire.

The home form was an issue last season, and Montgomery is eager to give the supporters something to celebrate.

When asked how Rovers can make Ewood a fortress, the Academy graduate replied: “It starts with us making sure we can get good results and good performances at home, and then the rest will follow after that.”

“In the derby, it felt like we had an extra man on the pitch at times! It is crucial, but at the end of the day we have got to make sure we do our bit on the pitch,” Montgomery continued.

“That is the main thing at the moment, to make sure we can do our thing at home. Away too, of course, but the away results were good last season so that is the main focus, to make sure we can do it at home.”

Rovers and United faced off in the Carabao Cup a couple of weeks ago, and it was the Blades who came out on top by a narrow scoreline.

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But Montgomery doesn’t think that game will have any impact on tonight’s proceedings once the whistle sounds.

“Anything can happen on the day, especially playing Championship football,” he said.

“We can't really look too much at what they did last time, and they probably won't be looking too much at what we did last time. It is about what happens on the day and making sure we are ready for anything really.”