Tony Mowbray says patience will be required in Rovers’ pursuit of their loan players.

Jack Payne told the Lancashire Telegraph he would be open to a return to Rovers next season, while Newcastle United loanee Adam Armstrong has also spoken in similar terms.

The two players, signed on loan deals in January, have since returned to their parent clubs, as has Leeds forward Marcus Antonsson, who spent the whole season at Ewood.

Middlesbrough’s Harry Chapman hasn’t played for Rovers since October because of two separate hamstring injuries but remains on the club’s radar after making an impact in his 16 appearances.

All four remain under contract with their clubs, with Mowbray set for a summer of talks before deciding whether to firm up Rovers’ interest in the quartet whether it be on loan or permanent transfers.

While there is plenty to discuss, the players have also spoken with glowing references of their time in East Lancashire.

Payne scored on the final appearance of his Rovers loan spell against Oxford, the team with which he spent the opening six months of 2017/18.

He played 18 times in all at Ewood, and Mowbray said of the 23-year-old: “I think it’s a summer to wait and see with regards Jack as one of those loan players.

“The loan players, there are conversations to be had with the players and their clubs to see what their thoughts and plans are.

“I’ve let him know how I feel he’s done, what he needs to work on and things he needs to help his game. He’s done really well for us, he’s a player I really like, a footballer who can make things happen.

“His diminutive size can work against him sometimes but it can also be a positive because he can nip in and out, play lovely reverse passes and create opportunities for the team.”

Just seven of Payne’s 18 appearances came as a starter, with his best appearances coming off the bench.

Mowbray added: “I’ve had that conversation with Jack himself. Jack Payne loves football with a real passion, he’s desperate to play every minute and be the best player.

“I’ve talked to him about the fact he’s probably been the best player in his school, in his district, in his town and he’s probably always played because he’s been the best player.

“He’s come to a level of professional football with this club where I’ve felt he’s a player who could help us off the bench, potentially change a game by making something happen.

“My selections have shown that I haven’t seen him as a 90 minute footballer, the challenge for Jack is whether he can accept that or whether he’s a lad who wants to play, be in the team, be the main man and let him make things happen.

“If that’s what he’s thinking and demanding then this is probably not the place for him but we can have that discussion and I’ll discuss that with him and see where we go.”