Ian Poveda is close to returning to Rovers with the prospect of the Leeds United loanee being fit enough to feature in the final weeks of the season.

Mowbray revealed last month that Poveda’s loan would continue for the remainder of the season despite him having not featured since undergoing ankle surgery in November.

The 22-year-old managed eight appearances before injury struck at Bristol City in having scored in the win over Sheffield United earlier that month, only to return to his parent club to undergo his rehabilitation.

He is now into the final stages of that, and will re-join Rovers next month to build up his fitness, with Mowbray hopeful he will still be able to play some part in the remaining fixtures.

“Ian’s not too far away from re-joining us in a couple of weeks, we’ll wait and see whether he can get himself fit enough to play for us,” Mowbray explained.

“He’s recovering well at Leeds, where he’s doing his rehabilitation and he’s a real talent.

“Ian could return for the last few games, but he’s recovering from a broken ankle and it’s been a long-term injury for him.

“You’ve got to build your core fitness up and build yourself up, a bit similar to where Bradley (Dack) is at the moment.”