Tony Mowbray has confirmed that finances dictated Rovers’ failure to make a move for Doncaster midfielder Ben Whiteman who they could face in today’s FA Cup tie.

Rovers are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old and were keen to make a move in the summer, only to be priced out of a potential deal.

Whiteman, under contract with the Keepmoat Stadium club to 2023, has since scored eight goals in 23 appearances and will likely lead the side out at Ewood Park, despite more uncertainty surrounding his future.

Doncaster this week revealed they had turned down bids from Preston North End for the 24-year-old, with QPR, Derby County and Barnsley other Championship sides to have looked at Whiteman within the last year.

Darren Moore insists Doncaster are planning for life with Whiteman in their squad, which could mean Mowbray comes face-to-face with the midfielder this afternoon.

“He’s a really top player and if Preston get him then they’re getting a really top player, not that it’s for me to tell Preston what to do,” Mowbray said of the former Sheffield United youngster.

“He’s someone we were really interested and at the time we didn’t have the finance to do that deal but he’s a good player.

“If it goes through then it would be good business for Ben, Preston and hopefully Doncaster.”

Meanwhile, boss Moore doesn’t expect to fill his nine-man bench with his side still feeling the after-effects of their self-isolation.

The League One side returned to training on Tuesday, having seen their four matches since the defeat to Shrewsbury Town called off, following a Covid outbreak in the squad.

Moore says the squad didn’t return in full, doing so in stages throughout the week, and he will monitor their fitness closely before deciding who takes to the field at Ewood Park.

But it is unlikely they will be able to name their full complement of subs, with nine able to named in a matchday squad in this year’s competition.

He said: “Not everyone will be available for the game.

“It’s difficult to say because we’ve been filtering them back in this week. They’ve not all returned as a group.

“They’re being integrated back in slowly.

“They seem okay but we’re training and then looking for any adverse reactions going forward.

“As much as they’re back in, we’re constantly asking them how they’re feeling.

“Even though they’re back in, the procedure is about how they’re feeling afterwards and in the days that follow.”