Chris Powell is backing Grant Holt to carry on from where he left off at Wolves when Town go to Blackburn Rovers chasing a third straight Championship win.

The on-loan Wigan Athletic striker has had a huge impact from the bench in the 2-1 home victory over Millwall and from the start of Wednesday’s 3-1 win at Molineux.

And while Powell handed centre-back Mark Hudson the captain’s armband as injured Lee Peltier missed out against Wolves, he said Holt led from the front.

“I knew exactly what Grant would bring to the club - intelligence, link-up play and assists. All he needs now is a goal,” said Powell, who has Holt initially until November 8.

“I’m not putting any pressure on him, but I believe they will come, and as long as we get him right, I think we have a good player on our hands.

“He might not be having the time of his life at Wigan, but he has been exceptional at his other clubs, and I told him to come here and lead from the front.

“Grant has come in with a burning desire to show what he’s about, he has fitted in really well, and he has trained and played well.

“When I got the chance to bring him here, it was an absolute no-brainer and he has definitely helped us get six points from our last two games.”

Town are up to 18th, their highest position of the season so far, but the boss says it’s crucial they focus on the task ahead at Blackburn, where they haven’t won since 1986.

“We badly needed that win against Millwall, but having got it, it was all about Wolves. Now it’s all about Blackburn and another tough game.

“We’re approaching it in a good frame of mind, and it would be great to carry our momentum into the international break.”

Blackburn are 11th, three points above Town, after Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Watford and Tuesday’s 2-0 setback at Rotherham United.