TONY Mowbray says Rovers will stay strong amid interest in a number of their key men, knowing they don't need to sell any player this summer.

Anthony Stokes became the 13th player to leave Rovers since relegation, when the club reached an agreement over the remaining two years of his contract.

But Rovers aren’t encouraging any further bids for their under contract players having already rejected offers from Championship side Sheffield United for defender Darragh Lenihan.

There is also interest from the Championship in goalkeeper Jason Steele, who is out of contract next summer. But Mowbray says Rovers don’t need to sell any player, and if anyone is to leave the club, the head coach says it will be his decision and funds will be used to strengthen the squad in other areas.

Having made seven signings this summer, it remains incomings, and not outgoings, on the boss' mind.

“It’s not easy, every day we are trying to stay strong as a football club knowing that we don’t want to sell our best players if we are to achieve our aims this season and have the best chance to achieve our aims,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“Every decision will be made on merit.

“We are in a position where we don’t have to sell a footballer but if we do choose to sell one then it will be for reasons to give us funds to strengthen in other areas.

“I sit here relaxed about it but we have to strengthen and look for the right players.”