Rovers sit 13th after 15 matches and look a far better side than the one embroiled in relegation trouble last season.

Tony Mowbray has unlocked a far more exciting version of this squad, which can score goals, entertain and, crucially, win games at Ewood Park.

The Rovers dressing room has remarked on the difference in atmosphere, which was evident as they beat West Ham.

"It has felt different," Pickering told RoversTV.

"There is positivity around the place. We have to make it positive as well with our performances.

"It's brilliant to go into the break with this win, especially after Swansea and Stoke. We wanted a good performance so we could go into the break feeling good before Burnley.

"We know what it means to the town and the fans. We're well aware and we want to put in a good performance."

Having been second-lowest scorers in the league last season, Rovers have averaged just less than 1.5 goals per game so far.

That comes from Mowbray's mentality and the confidence he has injected into the forward players.

"There is more confidence in the group," he admitted.

"With a new manager coming, the lads who came from different countries last year have settled. We look a strong team.

"The gaffer has been a massive influence. He wants us to be good people, team-mates first and we know we have the quality on the pitch to get results.

"In training, there is a competitive edge but not over the top. We all want to better ourselves and improve.

"We are a team that can score goals this season; the attackers are playing with confidence. Dapo, Todd, Fevs, Andri and the lads off the bench.

"It's great to have those options; they can get you up the pitch as a defender and score goals."