While Blackburn Rovers found themselves inundated with offers for star striker Adam Armstrong in the summer transfer window, bids for another Ewood Park ace were in short supply.
And there’s a good reason for that.
Because while Joe Rothwell’s ability isn’t in question – there are few midfielders in the Championship who can match him on his day – those days tend to come around far too infrequently.
“Joe is a super talent, you don’t need me to tell you that,” said Mowbray. “His talent is Premier League talent.
“You can see his dribbling talent. It’s amazing. He’s a Premier League footballer.”
But he’s not, is he? Rothwell is a Championship footballer and, until recently, there was no suggestion anyone in the top flight was willing to take a punt on a man who remains as frustrating as he is thrilling.
Blackburn star Joe Rothwell will hope to prove the doubters wrong at Rangers
Rothwell’s man of the match performance in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Coventry City was a reminder of what the 26-year-old can do at his best.
Scything through the visitor’s defence en route to a sublime opening goal, Rothwell then set up Blackburn’s second during what was as impressive a first-half performance as you’ll see from any midfielder in the second tier.
So, with TEAMtalk reporting Rangers are closing in on a deal that would see Rothwell move to Ibrox on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season, the Ibrox faithful can look forward to the odd moment of magisterial, mind-bending quality.
However, the fact some Blackburn fans are taking his departure on the chin may tell its own story.
A match-winning performance every few months is nice but the odd 8/10 display in a sea of 4s and 5s tends to leave people wanting more.
Ability isn’t the issue, consistency most certainly is. Otherwise, Rothwell would have become a “Premier League footballer” a while ago.
Here’s what some Blackburn fans on Twitter had to say about the reported Rangers move:
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