SEVERAL Rovers youngsters could be getting a chance in the two friendlies this weekend and that is great to see, writes Simon Garner.

Rovers have always prided themselves on their academy and they need it now more than ever.

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It is tough to be spending money on brining in new players and so the academy has a vital role to play. And if young kids can see a pathway to the first team, which I am sure they can at Blackburn, then it will encourage them to sign and give them the drive to reach the starting XI.

Nowadays teams like Rovers have to look to bring players through to either make them good enough for the first team or make them good enough to sell on at a profit.

We have seen that with Grant Hanley and there are lots of other players coming through at Under-21 level who look like they might have bright futures.

Rovers did well in the FA Youth Cup last season and I think the new-look EFL Trophy will be good for the club.

I know a lot of the Football League sides are against it but for Rovers it can only provide benefits. If you are 21 or 22 and looking to make the breakthrough then that is the perfect stage to do it.

I am sure if the likes of Scott Wharton and Connor Mahoney perform well in that competition then Owen Coyle will look at them for the first team.

It is the same as pre-season friendlies in that the youngsters are playing against seasoned professionals but the competitive edge of the EFL Trophy will make a difference.

I think it might encourage clubs like Rovers to trust their academy players a bit sooner and give them a chance.

That is what you want as a young player coming through, it certainly was when I came through, a chance to impress and the belief that if you were playing well then the manager will pick you.

It will be good for the fans to see some youngsters in the first team this season.

Meanwhile, Shane Duffy continues to be linked with other clubs. It is vital Rovers keep hold of him.

He is a good player and a fans’ favourite and having already lost Grant Hanley you don’t want to be losing your other centre back. Rovers have to try and keep their better players.