Dan Butterworth starred on his return to action for Rovers Under-23s after suspension, but must be mindful of his petulant reactions to bad tackles, according to boss Damien Johnson,

Butterworth scored a penalty and fine solo goal as the Rovers youngsters beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Leyland to boost their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup.

The teenager had been on the bench for three consecutive first team matches while serving his three game ban at Academy level after being sent off for his retaliation to a tackle on him in a win over Swansea in November.

He was booked in the first half on Monday night for his reaction after being on the receiving of another terrible challenge from Kyron Gordon who was lucky to escape with the same punishment.

And Johnson said: “We talked about it at half time. Like against Swansea, they aren’t good tackles on him, it was another poor tackle.

“If your opponents are losing their discipline, or are a bit reckless, then ultimately you are winning.

“He’s got to recognise that and can’t react, he’s fiery and a passionate kid who has that streak about him, but he has to control that and recognise that he’s winning.

“He doesn’t need to react and show that. He had a little reaction, but thankfully it wasn’t like the Swansea reaction.”

Butterworth made his first team debut in the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln in August and was involved off the bench in the third round defeat at Bournemouth a month later.

The 19-year-old has three Premier League 2 goals this season and was part of the first team squad for both FA Cup ties against Newcastle and the Championship win at Millwall where he was an unused substitute.

And Johnson added: “He has been working hard. He’s looked sharp in training and that was the frustration with Dan, getting the red card against Swansea, with how it fell over Christmas, it meant he was missing for a long time.

“It was good to have him back available and credit to him for working hard and keeping himself in good shape.

“It’s nice to see him score from open play, and he dispatched the penalty well, so we’re pleased with him.”