BLACKBURN Rovers booked their place in the second round of the English Football League Cup tonight with a 3-1 win at Mansfield Town – and moved close to the signing of Southampton striker Sam Gallagher.

Impressive new boy Anthony Stokes made it three goals in two games and Shane Duffy opened his account for the campaign as Rovers bounced back from their opening day disappointment.

Owen Coyle’s side will now look to record their first Championship victory of the season on Saturday at Wigan Athletic where Gallagher could feature.

The England Under-19 international is on the verge of joining the club on a season-long loan.

Rovers boss Coyle, who confirmed the injured Elliott Bennett could be out for six weeks, said: “Verbally we have an agreement to bring a young talented striker in. 

“It’s not done in terms of paperwork signed but he’ll travel up tomorrow night and we’ll run the rule over him, with regards to the medical, but I’m hoping it will be confirmed by Thursday and then he’ll be able to join the group for training and then be part of the group for Wigan.”