James Brown could be in line for his Rovers debut on the final day at Birmingham City.

Brown, a January signing after leaving League of Ireland side Drogheda, has been on the bench since his arrival at the club but is yet to make his senior bow.

The right back has clocked up minutes during his six starts for Rovers Under-23s side and earned himself an extended contract at the club after initially arriving on a short-term deal.

The 24-year-old has had to adapt to life in the full-time game, but Mowbray has hinted an opportunity could be on the horizon for Brown against Birmingham City this weekend.

He said: “I’d like James Brown to be blooded at some stage as well."

The manager is unlikely to include any of the club’s out of contract players, or loanees, in his matchday squad against the Blues, with nothing riding on the game.

Captain Darragh Lenihan has started the last two matches at right back, while Ryan Nyambe is another option in that position, but both are facing uncertain futures.

Joe Rankin-Costello could be primed to start at right back should Mowbray go with players under contract for next season, though Brown could be handed minutes in the second half.

While Rovers’ injuries have largely cleared up for the final weeks of the season, back-up goalkeeper Aynsley Pears is struggling with a knock, while Jacob Davenport is also unlikely to feature because of injury.

Jack Vale, who hit four goals for Rovers Under-23s, in their win over Chelsea on Sunday, to make it 13 goals in his last 12 appearances, will be part of the squad at Birmingham.

And Mowbray added: “We want to make him feel like he’s doing well and progressing and there might be one or two opportunities for players.”

Changes will be limited however, with Rovers Under-23s squad currently away in Portugal, ruling out the likes of Jake Garrett and Adam Wharton from being involved in the matchday 18.

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