Bradley Dack has had a minor setback with Tony Mowbray not putting a timeframe on when Rovers’ star man may be able to return to action.

Dack has been ahead of schedule throughout his rehabilitation after suffering a long-term knee ligament last December, but the last stages of his return are being managed carefully.

A couple of minor muscle strains have set the 26-year-old back, but Mowbray says that was to be anticipated after so long out.

Dack underwent surgery at the end of 2019 to the injury suffered against Wigan just before Christmas, but had hoped to be back in action by next month.

Rovers will get him some game-time to aid his recovery when the time is right, but as for when that is, Mowbray is unsure for now as Dack continues to work with the physio department before a return to full contact training.

Rovers Under-23s' return to Premier League 2 action could offer Dack a route back to match minutes, while behind closed doors games could also be arranged to facilitate his return.

But Mowbray says Rovers must be patient with the attacker during the final stages of his rehabilitation.

“What I’m doing with Bradley Dack is letting his body get ready, and when he tells us, and the physio department tells us, he’ll be ready,” the manager said.

“If I’m being honest with you he’s had little hamstring setbacks and strains, because as he’s been pushing hard on his fitness to get to where he needs to he’s had little setbacks and breakdowns.

“That’s what is holding up this last little bit.

“That’s what happens with long-term injuries, they’re very rarely smooth all the way back to playing and that’s where Bradley is.

“He’s been really, really close to getting back and then all of a sudden when pushing really hard he’s felt a hamstring, or a little twinge.

“His body will tell him when he’s ready. I’m not pushing Bradley on a date, or a time.”