Joe Rankin-Costello believes he can contribute most to Blackburn Rovers in central midfield after an extended spell in that position.

The versatile academy graduate came through the ranks playing in the middle but has played all over the pitch for the first team. He initially was seen as a wide player before Tony Mowbray converted him into a full-back.

Jon Dahl Tomasson tasked Rankin-Costello with playing that role inverted, moving into midfield to give Rovers a numerical advantage. But he also trialled him as a number eight, though the 24-year-old never had an extended run in one position due to injuries.

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Under John Eustace, Rankin-Costello has been exclusively used alongside Sondre Tronstad and the pair have formed an impressive partnership in the middle of the park.

Rankin-Costello believes that is his best position and it has been a personally frustrating season with injuries ruling him out for much of the campaign.

"I think I'm best in midfield, I think it suits my game more," he explained.

"I can get forward and help the team, I want to play box-to-box, get forward and help the team defensively.

"I enjoy it and I am still learning. As a professional, at this level, I haven't played that many games in there.

"I am getting used to it and enjoying it. Sonny (Tronstad) is very good, he does the stuff that maybe goes unnoticed. He does all of the dirty work and I enjoy working with him.

"It's been frustrating for me, I feel like my season has just got going and it's coming to an end really. I will do the right things over the summer break, keep my body right and I hope I'll be ok next season."

Rovers' hopes of staying in the Championship took a blow on Sunday after losing at home to Sheffield Wednesday. However, the odds remain in their favour and their fate is still in their own hands.

Victory over Coventry, or even a point, coupled with a favoured result between Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town would confirm safety for the season. 

Whilst it's not a moment to celebrate, it would be a big relief. After the disappointment of their defeat to Bristol City, followed up by a win at Leeds United, Rankin-Costello is confident the team can stay in the division.

"We got together as a group and we said it was a one-off, the Bristol game, and we need to stick together in these moments," he said.

"We knew if we'd keep a clean sheet in the next game we'd get a result and we did.

"It's quite different to before. We try an stay more solid, more compact whereas under the old manager, he wanted to play really expansive football and we conceded too many goals.

"The gaffer has come in and made us more solid. There are loads of positives, it will be good to have a full pre-season with him and let him get his points across to us."