OWEN Coyle says the Blackburn Rovers side which takes to the field in tomorrow’s big Championship opener at home to Norwich City will be in physically and mentally great shape.

But the Rovers boss admits he still wants to make a trio of additions before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Coyle was last night continuing his attempts to set up deals for signings including a young striker on loan from a Premier League club.

Any new recruit would have to be registered by 12noon today to feature in the clash with a Norwich team who yesterday snapped up highly rated attacker Alex Pritchard from Tottenham Hotspur.

But even if no deals are done in time Coyle is confident the squad he has put together so far in a ‘non-stop’ summer will be ready for a test with one of the title favourites.

He said: “We’re ready to start on Saturday. The boys are in great shape physically and mentally they are in a good place.

“Would I love some more players in? Yes I would, absolutely. There’s no doubt about that.

“I would love to try to continue to bolster the squad and make us as strong as we can be in respect of our own environment, whatever finance that is.

“We’ll continue to do that but who we have, and who we have who has trained, we’re getting close to what we perceive to be our strongest squad.”

Coyle is also targeting a centre-back to complement Shane Duffy, Elliott Ward and Gordon Greer as well as a rival to Stephen Hendrie for the left-back spot.

But with only Danny Graham and Anthony Stokes to call on up front he has made another forward his top priority.

“Anthony Stokes is there, Danny Graham is there, and I’ve got a terrific young striker in Lewis Mansell, but he’s not quite ready yet,” said Coyle, who is happy with his options out wide and in the centre of midfield.

“Lewis needs developing and he needs a bit of growth. You really want someone you can hang your hat on and can play in the Championship at a very high level. That’s something we will continue to pursue.”

Asked whether he is being given the backing by Rovers owners Venky’s to pursue his targets Coyle said: “I don’t stop presenting them (players). I keep going getting them and saying, ‘listen I’ve got a chance on doing this, can I press the button on this?’

“Ultimately when the answers come back, whether that finance available is there or not, that’s when I find out, but it won’t stop me looking at very good players and touching base with contacts to see who is available for what we feel is the right deal and who can help Blackburn Rovers.

“That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re pouring our heart and our soul into making sure our team can be representative of our support and who our fans can get behind.

“We’re looking to make Ewood a fortress like it has been before. In this neck of the woods I know how passionate people are about their teams and I love that. That’s why since I came into the area I’ve stayed here.

“In the area we’re in, where people work hard in the week for their salary, and then they come and spend their money to support their team, it’s important they know whoever is wearing that shirt is giving it everything they’ve got.

“The players won’t play well every week but as long as they give the supporters everything they’ve got to try and achieve a result.

“It’s up to us when we’re on the field to show that commitment, that heart, that desire.”