Rovers boss Tony Mowbray admits he has spoken to Joe Nuttall about the possibility of going out on loan.

But after the youngster netted the winner in the pre-season win at Lincoln City, and Rovers’ wait for attacking signings goes on, Mowbray says he will need to stay around the first-team.

Nuttall became the first striker of pre-season to find the back of the net, heading home a Craig Conway cross two minutes before the break as Rovers won 1-0 at Sincil Bank.

The 21-year-old, who scored five first-team goals last season, has been a regular in pre-season and came through an hour against Lincoln.

Nuttall was the top scorer in Premier League 2 football last season and looked lively in his 60 minute showing.

On Nuttall, Mowbray said: “Joe only has Dominic Samuel and Danny Graham ahead of him and at the moment he’ll definitely be in and around the attacking options for us.

“If that’s how we start the season then Joe will have to be around it.

“I’ve talked to Joe and potentially a loan move - if we can get the strikers in that we want, or the attacking options - then I think Joe’s next progression might well be to play 30 or 40 games somewhere - similarly to Scotty Wharton - and score some goals and give him the confidence and belief in playing in the league.

“At the moment he has to be with us.”

Rovers controlled proceedings for large spells and could have won by more than a 1-0 margin.

Peter Whittingham hit the bar with a free-kick, with Imps goalkeeper Josh Vickers denying Bradley Dack on three occasions.

On the game, Rovers’ fourth of pre-season, Mowbray added: “We had lots of the ball but had to defend lots of set plays and balls in to our box.

“I thought both sets of players did well. The ones who played the first half grew in to the game as after the first five minutes they had a lot of corners which were a test for us.

“After that we controlled the game, the second half we played the vast majority of it in their half, as we would have hoped.

“As I’ve been saying for the last couple of weeks we need to add a little bit more at the top end of the pitch, some more individuality.

“We can’t rely solely on Bradley as you see when he comes on he threatens the opposition goal and we need some more players like that. It’s something we’re working really hard on.

“The players have worked really hard and I think there are plenty of positive signs. We’re looking forward to a good test on Thursday against Everton.”