TRIALISTS Giles Coke and Dean Furman are in line to play some part in Blackburn Rovers’ first friendly of the summer.

The midfielders will spend the rest of this week training alongside Gary Bowyer’s senior squad in preparation for Saturday’s short trip to Accrington Stanley (3pm).

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Coke and Furman are both free agents and it is expected that Rovers boss Bowyer will want to run the rule over the duo in match situations before deciding whether to offer them permanent deals.

Coke is looking for a new club after he was released by Sheffield Wednesday.

The 29-year-old played some of the best football of his Wednesday career at the start of last season and scored their winner in an opening-day victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

But, after returning from an Achilles injury, in March he was sent out on loan to Bolton Wanderers and his appearance in their 1-0 loss to Rovers at Ewood Park was one of just four he made at the Macron Stadium.

Unlike Coke, who is looking to remain at Championship level, Furman is aiming to make the step up.

The South Africa captain, 27, turned down a new deal at League One outfit Doncaster in a bid to play at a higher standard of football.

“I was offered a new deal to stay but myself and my advisors decided it was the right time to assess my options elsewhere,” said Furman after announcing his decision to leave Doncaster.

“It’s time for me to move on and it was only fair that the club could move on as well.

“There are several factors but I think I’m at a very good age now and I want to progress my career as much as possible.

“Hopefully my next move will be a progression so I can continue trying to play at the highest level possible.”

Bowyer has just three senior centre-midfielders on his books, in the form of Corry Evans, Jason Lowe and Lee Williamson, after Jay Spearing returned to Bolton, David Dunn called time on his Rovers career, and Tom Cairney was sold to Fulham.

Chris Taylor, who last week signed a new one-year deal at Ewood Park, admits he would be happy to play in the centre of the park.

Taylor said: “I do see myself as a wide player but if I play in a central role, I do like playing in a three, as it gives me more of a chance to get into the box, support the striker and chip in with goals.

“So, in that way, I think I could play in a three, no problem.”

Entry at Stanley on Saturday is £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and students, and £5 for under 17s.