ROVERS have been given some encouragement over a potential loan move for Liverpool prospect Leighton Clarkson.

The Clitheroe-born midfielder is seen as one option at Ewood as the club look to bolster their options in the middle of the park after the exits of senior players Corry Evans, Stewart Downing and Lewis Holtby.

Highly-rated at Anfield, the 19-year-old Rovers fan has been named in Jurgen Klopp’s 34-man party for a pre-season training camp in Austria ahead of the new Premier League season.

According to reports however, holding midfielder Clarkson is likely to be one of the young players who goes in search of first-team experience this season in order to further his development.

The teenager, tied to a long-term contract at Anfield, made his Champions League debut last December, clocking up 90 minutes against FC Midtjylland, and has been on the bench in the Premier League as well as playing in the FA Cup Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy. He played against Rovers’ Under-23s at Leyland last season and also scored against the first team in a friendly 12 months ago.

Rovers’ reputation of helping develop young players would likely work in their favour with Clarkson, Anfield bosses having seen Harvey Elliott shine on loan at Ewood Park last season.

The 18-year-old yesterday put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Liverpool and is now looking to make a top flight breakthrough.