JAYSON Leutwiler believes team-mate David Raya is set for a bright future in the game - but that won’t stop him pushing him all the way for the Rovers number one spot.

Raya has started all of Rovers’ 15 league games, keeping seven clean sheets, with Leutwiler’s wait for his debut ending with an appearance in last weekend’s FA Cup win over Barnet.

A thigh injury picked up in training ruled the Canadian international out of Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at Rochdale, with 19-year-old Andrew Fisher handed the gloves.

But the 28-year-old says there is a good rapport between the goalkeeping fraternity at Ewood Park, working alongside goalkeeping coach Ben Benson.

“David is doing really well, he’s a great goalkeeper for the club and has a super bright future,” Leutwiler said.

“He’s a very good goalkeeper and a great guy and he will do well for us.

“There is a really good atmosphere and that makes the job easier when you go on to the training pitch.

“You still work hard but we have a good laugh and it makes the ambience better.

“I love it here, the club is massive, everything is done perfectly for you, it’s a great club and you have no excuses when you come here and you have to do well.”

Leutwiler has been used to regular football in recent seasons, turning out 49 times for Shrewsbury Town in League One last term before his summer move to East Lancashire.

His international commitments with Canada, and Raya being Mowbray’s first choice, has meant that Leutwiler had to wait until November 4 to make his Rovers bow.

But he admits his and Raya’s position of being friends, but also rivals, is nothing new.

He added: “I’ve been at many clubs and been in this situation many times.

“You have to keep a nice, friendly relationship because every day you are together and you have to have respect for each other.

“I’m sure we will and I definitely give him a lot of respect, he’s been here for a lot of years now.

“He’s a great goalkeeper and I will just work hard with him and we will make each other better.

“I have come in and will give everything as I always do. After that the decision is up to the gaffer.

“I will train hard and will see what happens.”

Leutwiler started his life in English football at Middlesbrough in 2011 where he previously worked under Mowbray.

That relationship wasn’t lost on the Rovers boss when he scoured the market for a replacement after Jason Steele left for Sunderland in the summer.

Much of Leutwiler’s league action has been in the lower two tiers during three seasons with Shrewsbury.

And of the challenges of League One he added: “I have played in this league for two years now and it’s a tough league.

“You have to be at it every game.

“It’s a hard league, the teams play less than the Championship, more direct football and there’s a lot of contact.”