ROVERS remain confident that the likes of Bradley Dack, Derrick Williams and Richie Smallwood will follow Darragh Lenihan in extending their Ewood Park stays.

Lenihan signed a new four-year deal on Tuesday keeping him at the club until 2022.

The 24-year-old, who made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in the summer, was entering the final 12 months of his previous deal and had attracted interest from Championship clubs last season.

But he said he was always keen to sign a new Rovers deal and it could be that more first team stars follow in his footsteps over the coming weeks.

Talks are progressing positively with Williams and Smallwood, who are both in the final year of the current contracts, while Rovers remain confident Dack will sign fresh terms despite the 24-year-old having two years remaining on the deal he signed last summer when joining from Gillingham.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray is keen to build a strong squad for the club’s return to the Championship next season and, speaking after Lenihan agreed fresh terms, the Ewood chief said: “Darragh is another piece of the jigsaw that we’ve been trying to do and I expect some more announcements to come on contracts in the coming weeks.”

Lenihan becomes the third player to extend his stay at Rovers this summer following Danny Graham and Craig Conway.

Rovers have also signed midfielders Joe Rothwell and Jacob Davenport with Mowbray still keen to strengthen his squad further ahead of the start of the season next month.

Rothwell joined from Oxford United last month while Davenport signed a four-year contract having completed his move from Manchester City this week.

The arrival of the midfield duo could see youngsters Lewis Travis, who made 10 appearances in all competitions last season, and Willem Tomlinson leave the club on loan this season although both are set to be given the chance to impress in pre-season.

Rovers begin their summer schedule this weekend when they make the trip to Edinburgh to take on Scottish Premiership side Hibs.