Charlie Mulgrew was given a run out for Rovers Under-23s in their Premier League 2 fixture with Southampton at Leyland.

Mulgrew cut short his loan spell at Wigan Athletic last month to return to Rovers but is yet to feature in a matchday squad at senior level.

The 33-year-old, who hasn’t featured since December 7 because of a calf injury, has been training with the senior side for the last two weeks.

And he was given chance to build his fitness further with an outing for Billy Barr’s side.

Mulgrew partnered Louie Annesley at centre half, with the Gibraltar international returning from an injury of his own.

Speaking of the Scotland international last week, Mowbray said: “He’s been training, he’s good.

“I’ve always said that Charlie is a joy to train on the training pitch, what a professional, what a guy. He trains like every day is his last.

“I explained to Charlie, at this moment Adarabioyo and Lenihan are a decent combination and Charlie understands that. He’s back in the fold, working hard, and we’ll see how we go as we move on.

“I’ll never write anyone off. I’ve been asked about (Richie) Smallwood in the past, he’s still here and nobody gets written off, they work hard every day, train with the team, they are awaiting their opportunity if it comes.

“If it doesn’t then hopefully they’ll continue in as they are, muck in and do the work as everyone else.”

Tyler Magloire, back from his loan spell at Rochdale, didn’t feature because of injury, while Brad Lyons was also absent.

There was a first start at Under-23s level for D’Margio Wright-Phillips, son of former England international Shaun, who is on a youth loan from Manchester City.

Rovers: Hilton, Pike, Annesley, Mulgrew, Thompson, Harlock, Paton, Mols, Wright-Phillips, Brennan, Vale

Subs: Saadi, Eastham, Boyomo, Gilsenan, Brennan