Rovers still face transfer decisions on a number of their young players despite the EFL transfer window having closed.

Interest was high from EFL clubs in the club’s rising prospects but the timing of the window closing didn’t allow for any of that to be taken up.

As Tony Mowbray added three new signings to his ranks and other first-team regulars start to come back to fitness, the more options available to the manager could free up some youngsters to go out on loan in the coming weeks.

That would have to be to National League clubs, something Rovers had previously been against, but that stance could now change on a short-term basis to give them regular senior football.

Halifax were linked with a move for Jack Vale who on Wednesday netted a hat-trick for Wales Under-21s in Bulgaria with the 20-year-old pushing for involvement in the first-team this weekend.

Dan Pike has interest from AFC Fylde, while several non-league managers were in attendance for Monday’s Premier League Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Attacker Connor McBride was due to go out on loan on deadline day to a League Two club, only for that to fall through, and the 20-year-old could be under consideration for a temporary switch.

Defender Tyler Magloire came off the bench in the draw at Middlesbrough and will be among the substitutes again this weekend, but the 22-year-old is keen for more regular football.

That came last season with National League side Hartlepool United and Scottish Premiership outfit Motherwell, and Rovers will be keen to ensure his development doesn’t stifle by a lack of game-time.

Vale meanwhile finished last season with Rochdale after a deadline day move but struggled for involvement, making just three appearances, and his next move will be crucial.

The attacker made his first-team debut in July 2020 but failed to build on that because of injury that saw him miss the whole of pre-season that summer.

He netted in the Premier League 2 opener with Everton and then handed a start for Wales Under-21s on Wednesday, only his second cap at that level, and he rewarded manager Paul Bodin with a hat-trick in a 4-0 win.

It was the first hat-trick at that level by a Welshman since 2007, much to the delight of manager Bodin.

He said: “Jack Vale was incredible with the perfect hat trick, left foot, right foot and a header, and his performance.

“The boys fully deserved the win. We had a little bit of luck at the start but from that point on I thought we dominated the game. I've had a great squad involved in this camp and it's been capped with a fantastic win and four wonderful goals.”

Elsewhere, Under-23s captain Louie Annesley won cap number 21 for Gibraltar in their 5-1 defeat in Norway.