A brace from Andri Gudjohnsen earned a 2-0 win, securing back-to-back three-point hauls. With two former Premier League sides beaten, confidence has been lifted after what had been a six-game winless run.

“Today is a big win. A statement in the performance, especially in the second half,” Ismael said.

“A clean sheet away at Leicester, it’s exactly what you needed, what you expected or dreamed of. To have that statement win is something we can build on with the player. Every win gives us that confidence.

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“This is the win we were missing at the beginning of the season. We had that win against Ipswich, the same type of win, so we know at the end what happened. But now I think today was a great statement for us to win that game.”

Despite going into half-time ahead, Ismael demanded more from his players. He felt they were too sloppy in possession and tried to overly manage the game, at times.

He demanded more bravery to ensure Rovers got the second goal to really kill the game.

“I think in the first half we were not good with the ball,” he continued.

“We lost too many balls, too many hectic moments. When we scored the goal, we were good for maybe six or seven minutes after that. After we already wanted to manage the game like there was ten minutes to play.

“I said to the boys, we have to go for the second goal because we cannot go through all the game like this. We have to be braver, to be more aggressive on our press. We created so many chances in the second half.

“I was really pleased with the reaction, the way we wanted to play. And we got the clean sheet, as I said. The back line, as you see, our Lewis, Scott and Sean put their body in the line.

“The save Balazs made in the second half was unbelievable. I think everyone was on top from the performance, able to compete at a high level. They wanted more than just the three points.”

Andri Gujdohnsen’s brace ultimately settled the game. The first goal needed good movement to tap in and the second was rifled in from close range after a pullback from Ryan Alebiosu.

“It’s exactly what we expected from Andri,” Ismael said.

“He was in the right position every time. I think he had two big chances as well before that, early in the season.

I think it was against Swansea (sic, Stoke), I think the situation. He stayed in the right position all the time, but the first touch was not good. But now he found the rhythm to be in the right position and to have the final touch.

“Which is very pleasing for us, for all the work he put in every time. As I said, when you are in a transition, some players adapt very quickly, some players need more time. Andri was one of them, he just needed more time.”