Are we missing Keith Andrews?

Hounded out of the club by the boo boys and after a fresh start, it seems there is no way back for Keith Andrews in a Rovers shirt.

Andrews made a loan move in the summer to Championship side Ipswich Town after a trouble heavy three year spell at Rovers.

Now I am not suggesting these two events are interlinked but since the split Andrews has been on fire for Ipswich with 4 goals from midfield in 10 starts and whilst away Rovers have slipped to bottom in the league in his absence.

It does however beg the question – are we a lesser side for the much maligned man’s absence?

One glance at the midfield provides further talking points with Vince Grella constantly injured, David Dunn intermittently so and Radosav Petrovic yet to find his feet and struggling to play alongside the reasonably similar Steve N’Zonzi.

It probably doesn’t help that the versatile Brett Emerton has left for home and is now on the other side of the world.

We’re short in midfield and lacking a steadying influence.

Don’t get me wrong, there were times that Keith Andrews looked short of the standard required in the Premier League but his effort and commitment to the cause (two things we lack at present) were not to be doubted.

And ever since leaving the club the players have been queuing up to remark about his total professionalism.

I think many in Championship are now seeing the Keith Andrews that some Rovers fans had hoped we’d get at Ewood Park – strong in midfield, a link to the attack in general play and chipping in with quality goals.

His displays for the Republic of Ireland are also full of endeavour and enterprise as he takes to international football like a duck to water.

He certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and many will shoot me down for asking this but… In one of our darkest hours would Rovers actually benefit from having Keith Andrews in the squad rather than in Norfolk?