BLACKBURN Rovers fans should get their first glimpse of new striker Chris Brown in Saturday’s friendly at Bradford City.

And in a further boost for Rovers boss Gary Bowyer left back Tommy Spurr is also set to feature in the trip to Valley Parade after allaying fears he was set for an injury lay-off.

Spurr missed the final three games of last season after finally succumbing to a long-standing groin injury.

And the problem flared up again after the fans’ favourite, having previously been given the all clear, returned for the start of pre-season.

But he is now in full training and set to make his first appearance of the summer at Valley Parade – as is new boy Brown. The free transfer arrival from Doncaster has endured a frustrating start to his Rovers career after picking up a knee injury.

But Bowyer is ready to unleash Brown against a Bantams side managed by Chorley-born Phil Parkinson.

He said: “It was a little bit frustrating for Tommy that when he first came back he was still feeling the same injury as at the end of last season.

“That was a little bit worrying but he’s worked fantastically well with Dave Fevre and Chris Neville and got himself in good nick, so much so that he’s joined in with the football again.

“I’m also delighted for Browny as he has been desperate to make an impression.

“So to have had a little knock like he has was a little bit frustrating.

“But we said to him that we have one of the best medical departments in the country and fortunately for him he now believes that because he’s back playing football quickly.”

Rovers drew 2-2 with Accrington Stanley last night and Bowyer was satisfied with the performance.

He said: “This game was important for the lads to step up their fitness levels and a lot of them had 65-70 minutes. That’s the most important thing and it was a good workout.”

Of the competition for places in the Rovers XI, Bowyer added: “At the end of our training week in Portugal a couple of players said to me, ‘all the best for picking the team against Cardiff’.

“When everybody is fit and available we have competition for every position – and that is fantastic.

“That’s real credit to everybody involved in getting the players we have got into the building.”

Simon Eastwood, Adam Henley, Jason Lowe, Lee Williamson, Chris Taylor, Ben Marshall, Ruben Rochina and Leon Best were not involved in last night’s friendly against Stanley.

They were part of a Rovers XI who lost a behind-closed-doors clash against Rochdale at Brockhall earlier in the day.