Jon Dahl Tomasson says he will instruct Rovers to offer Sam Barnes a new contract.

Barnes impressed Tomasson in pre-season and was on the bench for the first time on the opening day against QPR.

However, the 21-year-old has since sustained an ACL injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly which is set to rule him out for the remainder of the season.

But having caught the eye of Tomasson in pre-season Barnes has been reassured that he has a long-term future at the club.

Tomasson had planned to keep Barnes around the first-team squad this season, rather than loan him out. And although his deal at Ewood Park runs out next summer, the head coach wants to see that extended.

“I think as a club if it is a long-term injury you should think about value as a club,” he said.

“I will ask the club to look into that but it is Gregg's department.

“When you have a contract with a player and they get something serious, we need to help the boys and also look at value.”

Barnes played 240 minutes in pre-season for Rovers, starting three of the five friendlies.

He took advantage of an injury to Hayden Carter to make the bench against QPR and at that point was third-choice behind Daniel Ayala and Scott Wharton.

It was a blow for Barnes, as well as Tomasson, who name-checked the centre half after the 1-0 win at Hartlepool United, and picked him out for praise again after the Swansea City win.

“Sam had a very good pre-season, was on the bench against QPR,” he added.

“Getting that injury, I felt sorry for the boy because he did a good job in pre-season.

“He caught my eye which you need to do.”

Barnes had an injury disrupted 2021/22 campaign, missing the first half of the season, but his return to Mike Sheron’s side brought about an upturn in fortunes.

He then worked hard to ensure he got a place on the first-team summer trips to Portugal and Scotland before featuring regularly in pre-season.

Writing on social media, he said: “Absolutely gutted to sustain the type of injury I have after working so hard to make sure this was my breakthrough season.

“Luckily I’ve got the best people and team around me at Brockhall and at home to make sure I come back stronger and better than ever.”

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