GARY Bowyer has told want-away midfielder Alan Judge he expects to see him back at Blackburn Rovers for the start of pre-season.

Judge is desperate to pen a permanent deal with Brentford after a highly successful four-month loan spell at the League One outfit.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who re-signed for Rovers on a three-year contract last summer, has scored six goals in 21 games to help the Bees to promotion to the Championship behind champions Wolves.

Judge has made it clear he wants to remain at Griffin Park.

But Bowyer does not anticipate granting Judge his wish before Rovers start their preparations for the 2014-15 season.

The Rovers boss, whose side complete their Championship campaign at home to Wigan Athletic today (12.15pm), said: “Judger is contracted with us.

“I’m delighted he’s got promotion with Brentford and he’s certainly played his part.

“But he’s contracted with us so we expect to see him on July 1.”

Judge returned to Rovers in July after three years at Notts County.

The Irishman, who came through the ranks at Ewood Park, featured in the first five matches of the season.

But he struggled to regain his place in Rovers’ line-up after he was rested for the 4-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers on August 31 following the birth of his first child.

Craving first-team football, Judge was allowed to join Brentford in January.

And the former Republic of Ireland U21s international, who has been tipped to win his first senior call-up, has certainly flourished at the Bees.

He described his match-winning penalty against Preston North End on Good Friday, which confirmed Brentford’s promotion, as the ‘best moment of my career’.

And it is a career he wants to continue with the Bees.

Judge, who is contracted to Rovers until 2016, said: “I hope they can agree to either bring me here permanently or another loan – anything just so long as I can come back here next season.

“I’ve loved my time here. The boys and the club are great and I love being in London.

“I don’t want to go back there and be a bit-part player again.”

Brentford boss Mark Warburton has confirmed he wants to sign Judge, who is one of nine senior players Rovers have out on loan.

The others are Bradley Orr, Yann Songo’o, Josh Morris, Alex Marrow, Ruben Rochina, Leon Best, David Goodwillie and Jordan Slew.

Youngsters Jack O’Connell, Anthony O’Connor and Ryan Edwards are also out on loan.