Jacob Davenport is hoping his first season doesn’t prove to be a washout at Rovers as he looks to make his debut before the season is out.

Davenport signed from Manchester City last summer but is yet to be included in a first team matchday squad after two separate injury absences.

The 20-year-old has been a regular for the Under-23s of late to push his claims, and while boss Tony Mowbray has suggested that Davenport may not feature this season, the central midfield is hoping to be involved before the season is out.

His last first team appearance came in a pre-season friendly at Accrington Stanley on July 28, while a severe groin injury towards the back end of last year set him back.

He now plans to speak to Mowbray in a bid to push his claims for first team inclusion.

“That’s the aim and hopefully I can do,” Davenport said.

“I’m feeling fit and hopefully I can get some minutes.

“I think I’ve had five 90 minutes for the Under-23s now, played twice in a week.

“I’m feeling better, feeling ready, so hopefully I can get a few minutes before the season ends.

“Getting through them psychologically was the main thing. I feel there now.”

Davenport arrived on a four year deal and featured in all but one of Rovers’ pre-season friendlies and put in some eye-catching performances.

But it’s been a frustrating period for the midfielder who played 17 times on loan for Burton Albion in the Championship last season.

His first spell with the Under-23s came in November, having recovered from the hip-flexor problem sustained in the pre-season friendly at Accrington Stanley on July 28.

But a groin injury in training meant it wasn’t until February that Davenport was seen again.

However, after a run of nine Under-23s matches, he feels he is now ready for first team action, with Rovers having eight games remaining this season, starting at Aston Villa next weekend.

Still keen to take the positives from this last year, Davenport said: “I have never had a season like this before.

“But I’ve been able to get fitter and stronger in the gym so hopefully I can build on the end of this season and get ready for next season.

“I’m getting back fit which is the main thing.”

Despite the disappointments, Davenport still believes he has developed as a player, and person, since his switch to East Lancashire.

While there has been a mental side to overcome, he added: “It’s a massive test, that’s the hardest thing about football, injuries.

“You’re away from the pitch, away from the team but it only makes you stronger at the end of the day.

“There’s always positives to take from every negative.

“I’m building on my upper body strength, my speed, my power, so I’m a lot better physically now.

“It’s been one after another, but hopefully that’s the end of it now.”