What can Rovers fans expect from James Hill following his loan move from Bournemouth? We caught up with Jack Tanner from The Daily Echo to get the lowdown on the England Under-21 international.

What type of player is he?

Someone who is confident to get on the ball but is very much aware that he is primarily a defender.

He reads the game quite well and has the physical tools that help him, with decent strength and pace.

He is well liked in the dressing room, and a very bright and bubbly character so expect him to take centre stage on club socials.

Was it expected he would be heading out on loan this season?

It has been on the cards, yes. Assistant technical director Simon Francis hinted at it earlier on in the window, and again it looked like Hill would not get enough game time at Bournemouth in order to aid his development.

There was the possibility that as Hill is still under 21, the club might have kept him as depth without using up a squad spot, but the concern over depth was minimal.

Do you think he can have a big impact in the Championship?

It is certainly hoped so. It very much feels like the natural next step for him, and one he probably would have expected to have made last year.

A full season of regular football is what Hill really needs after just six months of first team games in the past 18 months, so I’d expect he will be really champing at the bit to make an impact.

Rovers like to build from the back. Do you think that impacted the decision to send him there?

This loan is definitely with Hill’s development in mind - Bournemouth are aware he can play as a right-back but don’t see that as his natural position.

He was used there quite often at Hearts, which I don’t think the club were too thrilled about.

The Cherries will be keen to see him feature regularly at centre-back for a team that are confident on the ball.