DAVID Raya will be given the chance to start the season as Rovers’ number one – but Tony Mowbray is looking to bring in another goalkeeper ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southend.

The Spaniard finished last season between the sticks, playing the final five games following an injury to Jason Steele who was allowed to join Championship side Sunderland earlier this week.

Despite keeping three clean sheets while deputising for Steele, Raya has only made 15 league starts for Rovers and while backing the 21-year-old to start the season as number one, Mowbray is looking to bring in an experienced stopper to provide competition.

Raya has played 90 minutes in each of Rovers’ last two friendlies and is in pole position to be handed the number one shirt at Ewood Park.

“I think David Raya finished the season extremely strongly last year,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“He’s a very talented young guy, he needs an opportunity and we will look to give him one.

“But we do need to create some competition for him so let’s see what this next week brings.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes and hopefully there will be news before the season starts and we will have some new additions to the group.”