Rovers boss Tony Mowbray says he is willing to listen to offers for experienced duo Peter Whittingham and Paul Caddis.

Whittingham has played just 84 minutes of competitive football since December 30, including a substitute outing against Carlisle United on Tuesday.

Caddis meanwhile didn’t feature during pre-season until the final friendly at Accrington Stanley on July 28 because of fitness issues.

The pair started 14 and 13 League One games respectively last year and are under contract until the end of the season.

However, Mowbray won’t be forcing either player, or indeed any of his other fringe players, out of the door before the loan window closes on August 31.

But the boss would be willing to consider the possibility of any temporary deals should interest arise.

“I gave those lads a contract to help us get out of League One,” Mowbray explained. “They did help us when I look back.

“Caddy has had some issues but he played 13 appearances across the 46 games and Peter more than that.

“They were brought in to help this club rebound straight back out of League One and they played a part in doing that.

“I never push my players out of a football club, I treat them as men, I treat as I would like to be treated.

“They train with us every day fully in our sessions and understand what we’re doing but they have also sat down in my office and understand that their opportunities are going to be limited.

“If they want to go and search somewhere else where they think they are going to play and get a game then I’m more than open to listening to that for them.

“If they want to stay here and fight for an opportunity, stay hungry and fit, and a window of opportunity arises for whatever reason, lack of form or injury to players, then they have to be ready.

“They understand, it’s not a problem for me.

“They are good guys, they both work hard in training, have their qualities and they helped us last season get out of League One. Let’s wait and see if they have a part to play this season.”

Rovers are still waiting to add to their squad since the permanent transfer window closed on August 9, with Adam Armstrong the only player to have arrived this month.

Clubs are able to sign players on loan until August 31, with Mowbray admitting he and his staff are working hard to try and strengthen.

When asked if it was down to putting together the right financial package, rather than persuading players to come, the boss added: “On a few of them that’s the case.

“That’s why late in to afternoons managers and staff are sitting in the training ground taking calls and trying to make things happen.

“Sometimes it gets to 7pm, 8pm, 9pm and you think ‘let’s put it to bed tonight and start again tomorrow’.

“Ultimately we’ll try and be stronger when the window shuts for the loan market and then we put all that behind us and concentrate on the team and integrating any new players who come in.

“They do need time to integrate. It’s not a case of signing a player and throwing them straight in from day one and off you go. They won’t know what’s expected in certain situations.

“We’ll try and get our business done and then try and produce a football team who can be really competitive.”