Ben Brereton is ready to throw his hat into the ring to lead the line for Rovers as Tony Mowbray weighs up his options ahead of his side’s return to action.

New signing Brereton came off the bench in the defeat to Bristol City last time out, replacing Danny Graham, while fellow summer signing Adam Armstrong has also been used in the central striking role by Mowbray this term.

Bradley Dack is fit again after a knee problem while Kasey Palmer, Elliott Bennett and Joe Rothwell are also in contention for a place in wide areas.

It means Mowbray has his biggest selection dilemma of the season so far when Aston Villa visit Ewood on Saturday (5.30pm).

While 19-year-old Brereton is able to play anywhere across the frontline, his preference would be to play as a number nine although his first priority is to earn a starting spot.

He said: “Wherever the managers wants me to play I will try and do my best and do a job. It would be a privilege to start in this team.

“The gaffer will pick who he thinks should play but to play games and contribute to the team is vital for me.

“Hopefully I can help the team out wherever I play.

“The manager has been saying to come in and do well, get involved with the lads and help in what can hopefully be a good season for us.

“The team seem really tight, they know all their jobs and I’m looking forward to getting involved and helping the team out.”

Mowbray has plenty of options up front despite the absence of the injured Dominic Samuel with Joe Nuttall another alternative.

The latter has featured in each of Rovers’ last four matches, including as a starter in the win over Brentford.

Brereton was used as a central striker for England Under-20s in his first cap at that level in midweek, when he missed a penalty in the 3-1 defeat to Holland.

That was his first start of the season having not been involved at all for Nottingham Forest prior to his move.

But the frontman, has signed on loan with the move to be made permanent in January for a fee in the region of £7m, said he has maintained his fitness.

He added: “I’m here to play games and I am just taking it step-by-step. I just want to play games, play football, that’s the key.

“The opportunity was one that excited me.”