Rovers’ transfer plans haven’t changed despite the injuries in defence, with strengthening the backline always a key priority for Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Sam Szmodics netted on his debut in the win at Swansea City where Tyler Morton came off the bench for his first appearance in Rovers colours.

With Callum Brittain lining up at right back, all three of Rovers’ new recruits were involved at the Swansea.com Stadium.

It is now a week since Rovers announced the signings of Szmodics and Morton, with Tomasson targeting additions in defence to further strengthen his ranks.

Injuries to Hayden Carter and Sam Barnes saw Ash Phillips included in a Championship matchday squad for the first time, with the prospect of a debut for the 17-year-old against Hartlepool United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

With Carter set to miss the remainder of the month, and Barnes the season, Rovers are left short of options in defence, with Harry Pickering moving inside to form part of a back three in the final half an hour at Swansea.

Despite admitting that Barnes caught his eye in pre-season, Tomasson says the injury situation hasn’t changed the need to sign defenders.

He said: “No, it doesn’t change anything.

“We need to develop our own players, we need to win as well, but this is a project and it needs patience.

“We want to do the right things in a different way.

“If you’re good enough you will play, it’s quite simple, if you’re good enough no matter what your age.

“We had Daniel Ayala playing excellent again, and if you’re good enough you’ll play.”

Tomasson declared himself happy with the busy so far, but has tasked director of football Gregg Broughton with bringing in more to fill the gaps left by a host of summer departures.

He added: “It’s nice to get three in, I know the club are working hard to get more players in.

“Gregg has done well to bring those three in but we need of course more players.

“The season is long but a good start for those two players.”

Rovers get their Carabao Cup campaign under way when they host League Two side Hartlepool United on Wednesday.

The two sides met in pre-season, with a Jack Vale goal proving to be the difference between the sides.

With still five more league matches to come this month it is a busy start to the season for Rovers.

Because of that, Tomasson is planning changes for the cup.

“For sure,” he said.

“We will change some players, we need also to change players because we need to keep everyone fresh but also everyone involved.

“The squad isn’t that big so players will get minutes and it’s important that they perform for the club and of course for themselves as well.”

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