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.
"It’s a happy changing room," Gibson said. "We’ve come off the back of a few wins and it’s a good atmosphere and a nice vibe at the moment.
"The communication and the team shape was massive. We got into a nice block of four with the four in front of us, defended really well with nothing through us, and we were tough to beat, tough to break down, and we were solid.
"I don’t think Belly had a save to make, which I think is great for us as a team. We got into a tough shape to break down, whereas previously teams had been coming through us. We were tough to beat and we got the three points and the clean sheet.
"The squad looks a lot more rounded, a lot more whole now and the manager’s having to make decisions with the squad now, who will start, who will be on the bench. It’s good competition to have, especially if you’re one of the starting lads or on the bench – everyone is fighting for their place."
At the other end of the pitch, Rovers' attack is developing nicely, too. Barton has found an effective formula by playing two strikers – Ryan Loft and Josh Coburn in the past two games – ahead of star man Aaron Collins in a 4-3-1-2.
It is a more direct approach than the Gas adopted in their promotion season, but Gibson believes it is working really well for Rovers. He paid tribute to the big men leading the line, saying they put their bodies on the line for the cause.
"Josh has been brilliant since he’s come in and he managed to get a goal the other day," Gibson said. "His work rate up top with Lofty is fantastic, it gives us something that little bit different with two up there. It’s tough to defend against.
"It gives you that different dimension and it’s hard to read for the opposition because when you’re a ball player, sometimes the opposition sets traps on you and tries to catch you out. With the two lads up top now, it gives that different edge to go long and once you go long a little bit, spaces open up in between.
"They’re two big boys and they put themselves about, especially Lofty. Both are really good players and both will run through a brick wall for you, so it’s a great option to have."
Rovers were worthy of their victory on Tuesday, but tougher challenges certainly await. Liam Manning's side were meek and devoid of confidence and the Gas capitalised amid a subdued atmosphere at the cavernous Stadium MK. Saturday's trip to Cheltenham Town promises to have more physicality and spice, and Gibson says the Gas will be prepared.
"Every game is different and we’ll be ready for whatever comes," he said. "The more points we keep building, the more momentum we take into games and teams won’t look at us as points to pick up. Obviously, as a team coming up from League Two, people might think they are points they can grab, but not anymore. We’re putting up a good fight.
"Momentum is so key in football and in this league, and we’ve got that with us at the moment. We’ll be looking at the weekend to get the three points.
Gibson has had a frustrating time with injuries, with a spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season cut short after just a handful of games. That theme continued with his calf injury in August, but from his interactions with Rovers' medical staff, he believes he is in good hands. And with that injury behind him, he is enjoying his time in BS7.
"In general, it’s been a really good first few months," he added. "Obviously, I was unfortunate with the injury, it was a bit of an unlucky one, but ever since then the manager and the coaching staff and the players have kept behind me when things were a little bit tough, but I’m really happy and delighted to be here.
"(The staff have been) really, really top. I have nothing but good words to say about pretty much everyone at the club. You go home with a smile on your face, you’re around really good people and everyone is there together. There is a togetherness in the group, not just with the players but with staff as well. We’re all as one and want to go as high as we can.
"At first, I thought it was a kick, but it turned out to be something else. From that minute, I felt very comfortable in a not-great situation. Everybody got behind me right away, it was only a few weeks, but the staff have been brilliant."
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