Scott Wharton played an hour for Rovers Under-23s as he stepped up his comeback from a ruptured Achilles.

It was a second run-out for Wharton since the injury having played in a behind closed doors friendly with Manchester United last week.

Tony Mowbray described the central defender’s performances on the training pitch as ‘majestic’ but says he still has work to do on his fitness in a bid to be in contention for a spot in the first-team having been out since sustained the injury at Brentford in December.

Jan Paul van Hecke, who also featured in last week’s friendly, made his debut in the 2-2 draw with Coventry City and Mowbray will hope for further competition at the back in the coming weeks with Wharton closing in on a return.

He was replaced by Jalil Saadi just after the hour at Leigh Sports Village where Mike Sheron’s side were beaten 3-0.

They trailed early to a Shola Shoretire strike, the hosts doubling their advantage just after half-time when Louie Annesley was credited with an own goal. Anthony Elanga completed the scoring with an injury-time goal.

Wharton’s next milestone will be to complete 90 minutes, and that opportunity could come when the Under-23s are next in action as they host Liverpool on October 25.

Meanwhile, Scott’s brother, Adam, scored two goals in the final 10 minutes as Rovers Under-18s came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 and maintain their spot at the top of the Premier League table.

Ryan Kidd’s side have now won five of their six league fixtures this season.