Changes are to be expected when Rovers get their Carabao Cup campaign under way against Hartlepool United at Ewood Park tomorrow night.

Jon Dahl Tomasson has stressed the need to mix-up his squad to protect the likes of Daniel Ayala from injury, and also give minutes to those who have been short of game-time.

Bradley Dack is expected to captain the side against the League Two side in what would be a first outing of the season for him.

New signing Tyler Morton has been given permission by parent club Liverpool to play in the competition and is likely to be among the starting side, with prospects Ash Phillips and Adam Wharton likely to make their senior debuts.

Asked if there would be changes, the Rovers head coach said: “For sure.

“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.”

Youngster Wharton was one of a number of young players to impress Tomasson in pre-season.

He was on the bench for the opening day fixture against QPR, and also travelled with the squad for the game at Swansea.

A potential debut awaits the 18-year-old tomorrow night, while defender Phillips, who was on the bench against Swansea, also set to start.

That comes as Rovers look to protect Ayala who has excelled in the opening two matches, but whose fitness record has let him down since joining the club in 2020.

Tomasson has played a key role in a change to Rovers Under-21s’ schedule for this season which will see Mike Sheron’s youngsters play their home fixtures on weekends.

That will allow them to marry up with the first-team and to ensure maximum training time in the week.

Rovers have also organised behind-closed-doors friendlies in the two previous weeks where there were no midweek fixtures.

With Dilan Markanday having played for the Under-21s on Friday, it is all part of Tomasson’s plan to ensure that his squad are fully up to speed when called upon.

“When we need to build a squad with young players, you have to make an environment where they can become better,” he explained.

“You always try to get game time where the teams that are better in Under-21s, they play men’s football, still play with my way of thinking.

“I don’t want them playing a different way of football and each player needs different things for minutes.

“Sometimes they might only play two games but the work is worth four games. The reason is to develop.”

Meanwhile, the EFL have announced that the Carabao Cup second round draw, which will welcome 13 Premier League teams as well as Burnley and Watford, will take place tomorrow night.

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