Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three talking points after the pre-season friendly win at Lincoln City. 

CONTROLLED IN POSSESSION

Rovers were disciplined out of possession and organised in their defensive work in the defeat to Liverpool four days earlier.

At Sincil Bank, against League Two opponents, they saw more of the ball and for large parts used it well.

That was no surprise given Peter Whittingham and Jacob Davenport were the midfield pairing for the opening hour, with their cross-field balls to Elliott Bennett a particular highlight.

Whittingham played a key role in the goal scored by Joe Nuttall, courtesy of a neat one-two with Craig Conway. But it was in the second half, and the arrival of Bradley Dack, the chances began to flow as the game opened up.

Central midfield is an area Rovers are well stocked, and Whittingham, the most experienced Championship campaigner in the squad, will have done his claims no harm with his 60 minute showing. The 33-year-old will now need to show he can show the same level of precision in a higher tempo fixture.

WHAT NEXT FOR NUTTALL?

Joe Nuttall became the first Rovers striker of pre-season to find the back of the net with his first-half header. He looked lively for the most part, looking a threat when driving forward with the ball from deep.

He will continue to get chances for as long as Rovers are unable to bring in new attackers, and he stated after the match his determination to force his way in to Mowbray’s plans.

Mowbray may see a loan move as the best course of action for the 21-year-old, but for now his options in attack remain limited.

Rovers played with a back three for large spells, highlighting their need for wide players, as the search goes on in to the final three weeks of the window.

SCOTT’S SURREAL DAY

It was just after he had been substituted on the hour mark the public address system revealed there would be a ‘special player announcement’ at full-time.

Wharton’s return to Sincil Bank, on a season-long loan deal was confirmed after full-time and the 20-year-old will now get the game-time his development requires.

That came on the back of a new three-year deal at Rovers and reflects the faith the club has in the defender who has come back to pre-season looking fit and strong.

Rovers have options in that area, with Derrick Williams able to slot in at centre half as well as Paul Downing, though Mowbray does want to bring in another central defender.

Rovers are taking a long-term approach with Wharton, and the warmth in which the news was received suggests he’s set to be a big player for the Imps this term.