Jon Dahl Tomasson hinted that Rovers are looking at more than just strengthening their central defensive options in the final weeks of the transfer window.

Liverpool loanee Tyler Morton made his debut in the Hartlepool United Carabao Cup win, with Sam Szmodics having scored on his debut in the win at Swansea City.

With Callum Brittain first through the door last month and having started the opening two Championship fixtures, Rovers have quickly incorporated their three new recruits.

The search is on to add to them, with central defence a priority for Rovers following the departures of captain Darragh Lenihan and player of the year Jan Paul van Hecke.

Harry Pickering played the second half of the Hartlepool win at centre half, having done so when Rovers switched to a back three for the final half an hour at Swansea.

It is the position that Rovers look short of options in, with Hayden Carter out injured until the end of the month, and Sam Barnes ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Rovers’ strength in depth looked good having eased beyond Hartlepool in the Carabao Cup, though it was inexperienced with an average age of only 21.6.

And that leaves Tomasson searching for more competition across his squad, particularly given Rovers’ schedule, with still six more matches to play this month before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Asked if central defence was the remaining priority in the window, Tomasson said: “I think when eight players have left us from last season and we have only brought three in, you need to look at the whole squad.

“You need more players in because we’re playing a lot of games in the Championship. It’s an extremely tough league, and the cup games as well.

“We need quality.

“We need to develop young players as well, Adam (Wharton) and Ash (Phillips) got their first games, and (Jake) Batty as well.

“That was excellent for them.”

Rovers return to Championship action on Sunday with the visit of West Bromwich Albion.

Daniel Ayala and Scott Wharton are the remaining central defenders available after the injuries to Academy duo Carter and Barnes.

Rovers have made two permanent signings in Brittain and Szmodics, and one loanee in Morton, and there is money left in the budget to strengthen.

“Hopefully, we are close,” Tomasson said of potential incomings.

“That is a question to ask Gregg (Broughton) who is working hard.

“We want to work hard and improve the squad and I believe we will have a stronger squad than now.”

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