THE rapidly improving injury picture at Blackburn Rovers ensured it was a quiet loan transfer deadline day for Gary Bowyer.

Reports yesterday suggested that Bowyer had made an enquiry for experienced Cardiff City midfielder Don Cowie.

But the Rovers boss refused to be drawn on whether he wanted to raid the Bluebirds for the third time this season after already bringing in Craig Conway and Rudy Gestede from the Cardiff City Stadium.

It is believed Cowie, despite losing his place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting line-up, still features in Cardiff’s long-term plans.

Bowyer did, however, state that the reason why he did not make any last-minute additions was the fact that he has key players closing in on full fitness.

He said: “We’ve got people coming back so there’ll be no business from our end.”

Captain Grant Hanley was fit enough to take his place on the bench for Tuesday’s 3-3 draw at Watford while midfielder Tom Cairney, who has missed the last six matches, will be back in the Rovers squad for tomorrow’s trip to Millwall providing he comes through training today.

Winger Josh King, who was absent against Watford, and midfielder Jason Lowe, who has sat out the last two games, could also return.

Bowyer is relishing the prospect of having selection headaches of the pleasant variety – particularly at centre-back where he now has Hanley, Matt Kilgallon and Michael Keane to choose from.

“Competition is good for everybody,” said Bowyer.

“It’s good for the players and it’s certainly good for the staff even if it means it giving us a few more grey hairs about who to pick and who not to pick.

“Unfortunately through injuries we’ve not always been able to have the competition that we knew was here.

“Now we’re getting it right at the run-in – and that could be crucial.”

The sole piece of transfer business at Ewood Park yesterday saw young midfielder Josh Morris extend his loan stay at League Two promotion hopefuls Fleetwood Town until the end of the campaign.

Rovers have been involved in 31 loan deals this season.

They have brought seven players in – two of who, Rudy Gestede and Tom Cairney, became permanent additions – and let 24 temporarily leave.

Bowyer added: “I think the loan signings we’ve made have all played a part and made an impact. Probably the only one that hasn’t is Bryan Dabo.

“But he’s not too far away, it’s just the lads who play in his position have been playing well which hasn’t given him an opportunity to play.

“But he’s got better since he’s been here, he’s a great lad, he keeps working hard, and we’ve got nine games left and I’m sure at some point he will feature.”

Tomorrow’s opponents Millwall were active in the transfer market on the final day of the loan window yesterday signing Ipswich Town winger Carlos Edwards until the end of the season.