Rovers are already fielding enquiries from EFL clubs about taking their young prospects on loan for next season.

The club used the loan market to good effect in 2020/21, with both incomings and outgoings, and are expecting to utilise that market once again.

With the Under-23s finishing fourth in Premier League 2, and some of their young players catching the eye out on loan, there is already interest in their services for next season.

Rovers will take a look at some of those returning in pre-season before decisions are made on their futures, which could be dependant on the business that Rovers themselves do.

However, there are players who have been identified as being ready to take the next step in their development by getting games out on loan.

“I hope people have seen players develop along the way and hopefully we can get more people out on loan,” Under-23s boss Billy Barr said.

“That’s the starting point for a few of them, we’ve spoken about that through agents and clubs and if we can get them out then we will. But they have to work.

“The club has to be right for the player, we don’t just want to jump on one for the sake of it.

“We’ve had a few that have gone and not gone out and that can become more frustrating down the line.”

Jack Vale, yesterday named in the Wales Under-21 squad for an upcoming Euro qualifier against Moldova, had a disappointing stay at Rochdale after a January move, and he could be given chance to boost his game-time within the Under-23s set-up next season, rather than be considered for another move.

Tyler Magloire is another player expected to court interest, as is Dan Butterworth, and with several goalkeepers in their youth ranks, they will too be considered possible opportunities elsewhere.

Connor McBride, top scorer in the Under-23s last season, would also benefit from some exposure first-team football, after netting 12 times since a switch from Celtic last summer.

He played a big part in a season that saw Barr’s youngsters be the biggest challengers for Manchester City, only to drop down to fourth after finishing the season with three successive defeats.

Barr felt it was a season of development for his youngsters, and reflected with pride on how it unfolded.

“The biggest thing this season has been the ball retention and the way that we play,” he explained.

“My proudest moment of the season was talking to the Man City coach after the game when we played them there and we drew 1-1.

“He said ‘thank you for coming and playing football because normally people don’t do it’.

“I think that gave the group massive confidence going toe-to-toe with the team that won the league and rightfully so and being better than them on the night on their own patch.

“It was really pleasing but there have been lots of good performances so everyone will have a different favourite moment.”