Rovers have an option to extend Amari’i Bell’s contract for a further 12 months.

Bell has played every minute of Rovers’ fixtures in 2020 and become a regular in the last two months.

Stewart Downing, Elliott Bennett and Derrick Williams all had spells at left back after Rovers lost Greg Cunningham to a season-ending injury in October.

Rovers had previously looked at recruiting a left back in January, but it’s 25-year-old Bell who has been first pick of late.

Bell signed for Rovers in January 2018 from Fleetwood Town and is expected to make his 72nd appearance in tonight’s game with Hull City.

He agreed a two-and-a-half year deal when moving to Ewood Park, but chief executive Steve Waggott has revealed the club do have a 12 month option to extend that through to 2021.

That means the players, with first-team experience, definitely out of contract this summer are Jayson Leutwiler, Sam Hart, Richie Smallwood, Stewart Downing, Dominic Samuel and Danny Graham, while loanees Christian Walton and Tosin Adarabioyo will return to their parent clubs.

But for now, Bell’s focus is on the remaining 15 games, with Rovers looking to ensure their season doesn’t fizzle out and they can keep up their chase of a top six finish.

“There’s still so many games left in the season and opportunities to get a good run of form and see where it takes us,” he told the club website.

“The league is so tight right now. A few wins in a row can take you right up the table. It’s competitive, the bottom teams can beat the top teams, and it’s a real challenge," he added.

“We’ve just got to stay grounded and see if we can get something from each game. We’re not far off the play-offs, but it’s going to be tough. It’s an exciting challenge for us."