Darragh Lenihan says the Rovers players are well aware of the need to perform in their pre-season auditions ahead of the new season.

While the early weeks back after the players’ summer break have been about fitness for boss Tony Mowbray, focus has already turned to the opening day at Ipswich Town among the players.

Tomorrow’s trip to Port Vale, Rovers’ second of six friendlies, will be just three days from the Championship opener at Portman Road.

Lenihan, fitness permitting, is a likely starter when the real thing gets underway but the Irishman knows that everyone is wanting to perform well to ensure themselves the best chance of a spot on Mowbray’s teamsheet.

“You can tell that there is a good team spirit, the lads are having a laugh but when the hard work comes the lads are putting the yards in and I am sure that will continue throughout pre-season,” the 24-year-old said.

“The lads as a group want to perform in each game throughout pre-season because we know it is going to be competitive if you are to make it for Ipswich on the first day of the season.

“I think the momentum from getting promoted last year will help us an awful lot, especially at the start of the season.

“We know it is a big step up but I feel as a group we are ready and are going to be competitive next season.

“I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Lenihan in particular will be keen to impress after signing a long-term contract last week and having featured just 14 times last season because of an ankle injury which sidelined him for six months.

He scored his first goal for the club in the final day win over Oxford United and also earned his first international cap for the Republic of Ireland in their win over USA last month, despite only returning from injury in February.

As a result he was handed an extended break by Mowbray, and missed the pre-season trip to Austria.

But he admits slotting back in to life at Rovers has been an easy task given the positivity at Ewood Park.

He added: “The connection with the fans has come back, I wasn’t here in the glory days but from what I have seen over the past seven or eight years this is the best.”