Damien Johnson says the Rovers youngsters will remember their Under-23s title success, no matter what they go on to achieve in their careers.

Rovers signed off their Premier League 2 Division Two campaign with their 15th victory after running out 4-1 winners against West Brom at the Hawthorns.

They were already crowned champions after Aston Villa’s defeat at Newcastle last week, and although admitting that took some of the pressure off, Johnson was pleased his young side saw the job through.

Goals from Matty Platt, Dan Butterworth, Joe Nuttall and Lewis Mansell cued celebratory scenes at the final whistle, with Rovers being presented with the trophy at the first-game against Oxford on May 5.

On the season as a whole, Johnson told the Lancashire Telegraph: “What is really special is that myself and Dunny (David Dunn) played for a long time and we never won a league title at youth or development level, or reserve level as it was back then.

“It’s difficult, you don’t often have the chance and when you do have success you remember it.

“They are such a tight group, they have grown up together and are good mates so this will be extra special.

“Whatever career they have, and we hope they go on to have fantastic careers, this will be one of their fondest memories, regardless of how successful they are.

“They will remember this season and for them I am glad that they got the job done and saw it through.

“It’s not their end game but I’m really pleased for them.”

Rovers were unlucky in defeat to Aston Villa last week which kept the title race alive, but their defeat at Newcastle spelled the end of their challenge.

No matter how Villa did in any of their remaining games, victory at the Hawthorns would have seen Rovers to victory, and three late goals helped them to victory against the plucky hosts.

Johnson added: “Finding out on Friday night, it took the pressure off certainly.

“They had a group target of winning the league and they challenged themselves at the start of the season and they have achieved that.

“The danger is the game turns in to an anti-climax but we tried to keep them focussed.

“At times it was difficult, them going down to 10 men changed the game and galvanised them a little bit.

“It looked at one point like the goals weren’t going to come but I’m delighted for them because it’s not easy to win a league at any level so great credit to them.”

Dan Butterworth netted on his first appearance since coming back from three months out.

Stefan Mols had scored in a win over Newcastle earlier in the month after several months on the sidelines, with Johnson keen to praise the medical staff for their week.

He added :“Danny coming on and he’s had one session, and that was a really light one, so he’s only had 20 minutes.

“Sam Kelly and Liam Mason have done a fantastic job. We have had some injuries this year but everyone that has been injured have come back in terrific shape.

“Dan has come back and looks like the players he was and that’s a real highlight and positive getting him back.”