WES Brown has backed teenager Scott Wharton to become a top centre-back for Blackburn Rovers.

The 19-year-old is expected to captain Rovers’ under-23 team in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy Group D clash at League Two high flyers Carlisle United (7.45pm).

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It will be Wharton’s first senior outing since he came off with a hamstring injury early on into the EFL Cup defeat at Leeds United two weeks ago.

He recovered in time to lead Rovers Under-23s to a convincing 2-0 derby victory over Burnley in the Premier League Cup at Ewood Park on Friday.

But his path to the first team has been blocked by the arrival of Brown on a free transfer following his release from Sunderland and Tommie Hoban on a season-long loan from Watford.

However the former England and Manchester United star, one of the game’s most decorated defenders, has no doubt Wharton can be a fixture in Rovers’ senior side for years to come.

Brown said: “I remember the first game Scotty played in this season (against Burton Albion) and I thought he did really well.

“It’s very different for defenders, because if you make a mistake then you’re in trouble, but he’s been excellent.

“He’s been excellent in the games, excellent in training, and I’m sure the gaffer has got faith in him and will play him.

“He does look like a good, confident young lad. That’s a big thing to have when you’re younger, that bit of confidence.

“I’m sure in a couple of years’ time he’ll be up there with one of the top centre-backs. He’s got everything he needs.

“As long as he listens from what all the coaches say to him he’ll have a great chance.”

Brown, who won 23 caps for his country and 16 major honours for United, is also giving Wharton and the club’s other promising young defenders words of advice.

He said: “I’ve started chatting to Scott and the others already. It’s a lot easier because that is my own position. They listen and the good thing is I get they are listening as well.

“As long as it’s helping them out I’ll have a chat with them at any point.”

Brown started training with the club in the summer and last month penned a contract until the end of the season after recovering from a calf injury.

Owen Coyle has made it clear that the two-time Champions League winner, an unused substitute in each of Rovers’ last three matches, has been signed primarily as a player.

But the Ewood Park manager will also give Brown license to spend time with the club’s under-23 bosses Damien Johnson and David Dunn as he plots a coaching career once he hangs up his boots.

“I’ve started my badges and I know Damien and Dunny anyway from playing against them,” said the 36-year-old.

“Dunny is the same age as me and we played against each other growing up. They’re top lads and they’re doing a great job with the under-23s.

“The gaffer has allowed me to get involved and help out in any sort of way and do what I’ve got to do to get everything finished off.

“It’s brilliant. Blackburn is a great club and to be able to do something with the under-23s straightaway is fantastic for me.

“Hopefully I can bring a lot of experience and help the younger lads in any way possible.”