JASON Lowe will skipper Blackburn Rovers in Saturday’s first game of the season at home to Norwich City if he is fit and available.

But Rovers boss Owen Coyle has stopped short of confirming whether Lowe will be named the club’s new captain following the departure of Grant Hanley to Newcastle United.

Coyle said: “When you look at our squad I see three or four leaders within that group.

“Jason has captained us in the pre-season games and if he’s fit and available he will lead the team out on Saturday.

“We’ve not made a big song and dance about it. Jason has done a very good job but within that I do believe we have leadership qualities in a host of players. Shane Duffy springs to mind as well.

“That’s an ongoing process but what I do know is I’ve got players who want to be at Blackburn Rovers, and who love the club, and that’s always a great thing to have.”

Coyle continued: “Who wears the armband is important but when I played, going back a few years now and a few generations, we had six or seven players who were all captains on the pitch. That’s what I want to have at Blackburn Rovers.

“Whoever wears the armband will be the captain for the team on the day. Jason Lowe has done very well in that respect. He’s very respected by his peers. He’s a leader.

“Captains come in all shapes and forms. Some are very vocal, some do it by example. There are all different ways to do it.

“If he’s fit and available Jason will captain the team on Saturday.”

Lowe came off with a knock at half-time in last weekend’s final first-team friendly with FC Girona.

But Coyle expects the right-back or midfielder to take his place in the squad for Saturday’s clash with the Canaries along with winger Craig Conway who missed the last three warm-up matches of the summer with a thigh injury.

However Northern Ireland international midfielder Corry Evans, who returned late to training after representing his country at Euro 2016, will play no part in the opener.

Coyle said: “Corry Evans came back from the Euros, where he performed really well, with a slight niggle and, while it’s getting better, Saturday will be too soon for him.

“He’s only had a brief outing at Blackpool in terms of pre-season games under his belt but hopefully we’ll be able to get him up and running soon.

“There’s one or two little knocks but hopefully we’ll have the squad that we had last weekend plus Craig Conway who is now back in contention. Bit by bit we’re getting there.”