Grant Hanley has suggested that Blackburn Rovers' improved defensive record is down to a "more settled" back four.

The Ewood Park club have shipped just five goals in their last eight outings, three of which came on an afternoon to forget at MK Dons.

Only four sides in the division can boast a better clean sheet ratio than Rovers, which Hanley puts down to some stability alongside central-defensive partner Shane Duffy in the heart of defence.

"I think it has helped because we have been a bit more settled," he told the club's official website. "Last year there was a lot of injuries, people were coming in and going out, and playing in different positions.

"So touch wood we've been a bit luckier with injuries this year and we've been a bit more settled and that always helps. I think me and Shane have played more games together this season than we did last season already.

"Especially at centre-half you need to let relationships build and the more we play with each other the better we can get. We've a long way to go yet, we're both young as centre-halves, but we are enjoying it."

Blackburn play host to Rotherham United at the weekend looking to push up the table from their current standing of 15th place.