Lewis Gibson believes growing competition for places has made Bristol Rovers a more "rounded" team, with improvements being made in defence and attack. Everton loanee Gibson was brought into the starting XI for Tuesday's 1-0 win at MK Dons and the defender rewarded manager Joey Barton with an authoritative and composed in the middle of the back four.
The 22-year-old has endured a frustrating start to life in the blue and white quarters, being struck by a calf injury shortly after joining August, but Barton believes the centre-back's ability in possession coupled with his defensive instincts will make him a big player for the Gas this season. He was in good form on Tuesday as the Gas made it back-to-back wins in League One thanks to Antony Evans' second-half penalty.
Seven points from a possible nine in the past fortnight have lifted Rovers to 15th in the table as Barton's side starts to make forward strides after a defensive injury crisis that underpinned a difficult start to the season. With the likes of Gibson and James Gibbons back to fitness, Rovers' rearguard is solidifying; three goals have been conceded in the past three games, a significant upgrade after shipping 20 in the opening 10 games of the season.
