Rovers could hand a first run-out to deadline day signings Brad Lyons and Mitchel Candlin in tomorrow’s Lancashire Senior Cup tie with Preston (1pm).

Damien Johnson’s side will now face the Lilywhites at the club’s Academy training centre, at Brockhall, with a place in round two at stake.

Striker Candlin, signed from Walsall, is yet to feature since signing on August 31, while central midfielder Lyons didn’t see his move rubber-stamped until last week.

The first round tie could be an opportunity to integrate them in to the fold, with the Under-23s not in action again until Monday, September 17 when they host Arsenal at Ewood Park (7pm).

Goalkeeper Andrew Fisher, midfielder Lewis Travis and striker Joe Nuttall all saw loan moves fail to materialise and could be part of a Rovers side which is expected to be stronger than what they have fielded so far in their four Premier League 2 fixtures.

That is despite seeing the likes of Sam Hart, Scott Wharton, Matty Platt and Lewis Hardcastle leave on loan.

But there is a boost in defence as Charley Doyle will return after serving a three-match ban, despite Tyler Magloire remaining sidelined by injury.

Rovers were knocked out in the semi-finals by Bury last year in a game which featured a number of fringe first-team players.

Tony Mowbray could use the opportunity to get minutes in to the legs of the likes of Paul Downing and Craig Conway who have been short of action thus far.