Rovers agreed new contracts with two of their most promising young players last week as the desire to secure their assets to long-term deals continues.

Tyrhys Dolan and John Buckley have appeared in every matchday squad this season, both used off the bench at Nottingham Forest at the weekend, on the back of signing new contracts until 2024.

They are the club’s first contract extensions of 2021, with Bradley Dack handing the club a boost when he signed a new three-and-a-half year deal in December.

Tony Mowbray said the decision of whether Ryan Nyambe will extend his stay at Ewood Park will come down to the player and his representatives after the full back was made an offer, with Joe Rothwell and Joe Rankin-Costello two players the club are also speaking to.

That comes as a host of players see their deals expire this summer, including captain Elliott Bennett, defender Derrick Williams and experienced midfield trio Bradley Johnson, Lewis Holtby and Corry Evans.

Rovers have put faith in their young players with long contracts handed out, with this Buckley’s second contract since turning professional, while teenager Dolan has been rewarded for his progress since arriving on a free transfer.

“I think it’s about trying to look after the club moving forward, making sure the young players feel a part of it,” Mowbray said.

“I sit with them sometimes, I know John wants more starts and wants to play, he’s a young lad and my job is to win football matches for the football club and at the same time develop the young talent.

“I’ve said before that I see John Buckley being a really important player for this club for a long time and at this moment his pathway is a little bit blocked for being a regular starter but I’m sure that pathway will open for him and his talent will blossom.

“Tyrhys, we’ve talked a lot about him, he burst onto the scene not long after he left Preston and he warranted a new contract for the way he comes in every day, lights the place up and I’m sure his talent is something that as he learns different aspects of his game he can damage any defender with his one-v-one ability and his quick feet and the way he drives into the box.

“They are wonderful assets to work with and I’m sure the future is very bright for both of those lads.”