Three goals in two games: Mowbray hails Antonsson’s position change, return still seems unlikely

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Leeds United striker Marcus Antonsson continues to impress for Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has told the Lancashire Telegraph that striker Marcus Antonsson has the best physical stats at the club.

Rovers are bidding to return to the Championship this season following their relegation to League One at the end of last term – and recent results have been positive.

Mowbray’s men made the short trip to Bury over the weekend and claimed a 3-0 victory, before hammering Oxford United 4-2 on Tuesday night to sit sixth in the League One table.

One of the heroes for Rovers in those two games was striker Marcus Antonsson, who continues to impress following a summer loan move from Leeds United.

The Swede, 26, scored twice against Bury, before finding the net again on Tuesday night in the win over Oxford, taking his tally for the season to seven goals in just 16 games.

Speaking after the win over Bury, manager Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph that Antonsson has the best physical stats of any Rovers player in games and in training, and he is glad that his effort is now being rewarded.

Mowbray added that he has been switching Antonsson from a centre forward in a wide role where he can drift inside, and feels that is working well for the former Kalmar striker.

“I’m really pleased for him,” said Mowbray. “His physical stats in the games and in training are the highest, he does the most running of anyone in our team. It’s great when they get their rewards. We played him in a wide attacking position off the left feeling that we could get him in off the right sided centre half.”

“He’s not sure what his strongest foot is, he can strike it with both equally well and can play either side. He’s an honest hardworking player who has a goal threat on the end of his boots and we’re pleased he’s here and playing his part,” he added.

Leeds didn’t really try Antonsson in a wide role last season, but given that Thomas Christiansen has so many options there, a return to Elland Road seems somewhat unlikely for the Swede when his loan deal ends, and Rovers may even pursue a permanent deal.