Rovers Under-23s boss Damien Johnson believes some of his players are ready for the next stage of their development.

And whether that is with the first-team at Rovers, or on loan elsewhere in the EFL, will be discussions for the summer involving Tony Mowbray.

The likes of Lewis Travis, Willem Tomlinson and Joe Nuttall have all had tastes of League One football this season, while several others were utilised during the Checkatrade Trophy campaign.

Rovers received loan enquiries from a number of clubs for their young players, but only Scott Wharton and Jack Doyle of their homegrown players are currently plying their trade away from Ewood Park at Lincoln City and Derry City respectively.

The club’s youngsters look well placed to win promotion from Premier League Two Division Two, but Johnson admits it is levels above that which he is looking for his players to progress to.

He explained: “We’re looking for some of the lads to push on and playing first-team football next season.

“If not here then elsewhere in terms of loan deals.

“That’s the name of the game for them, trying to get in the first-team here preferably and if a stepping stone along the way is a loan move then that might be an option that we look at.

“We’ve got all the lads in who have to step up and that’s the name of the game.

“We don’t want them playing for Under-23s football for that long, it’s time for some of them to move on but that’s all for next season and the manager will have a big say in that when pre-season comes around.”

Rovers will have another chance to secure promotion when they travel to West Brom for their final league game on Monday, April 23.

The game will be played at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough Stadium (7pm).