Jon Dahl Tomasson wants to sign two centre-backs in the January transfer window with James Hill returning to Bournemouth.

The 22-year-old's recall has now been made official, with the defender returning to the South Coast for the remainder of the season.

As a result, Rovers have just three senior centre-backs available. Scott Wharton should be fit and available to face West Brom alongside Hayden Carter and Dom Hyam.

Hill's impending exit means Rovers are also short of cover at right-back. Lewis Travis' loan to Ipswich Town also reduces Tomasson's options to rotate Callum Brittain. Joe Rankin-Costello isn't expected back until the end of January and so Rovers are particularly light at the back. 

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Last season, Rovers had five centre-backs and two right-backs and now they're currently down to four across both positions.

Tomasson wants the club to recruit two central defenders this month and feels that should have happen in the summer transfer window after Ash Phillips followed Daniel Ayala in leaving the club.

"It is a position we are extremely stretched in now," he said. "This window is extremely important for the club to get it right.

"I think we should have signed two (defenders) in the summer. Before these things happened, I think the club should have brought players in. 

"Now with James and Travis going away, then there is space to use, money to use."

Tomasson is particularly disappointed to be losing Hill, who had become a regular in the side after breaking into the team in October.

Whether that full-back or in the middle, Hill was an important contributor to the squad. It leaves a big hole for the club to fill.

"We are losing James Hill, we lost Daniel Ayala and we lost Ashley Phillips," Tomasson said.

"Two went out of the building, one came in. Now he is also gone.

"James has been very good. I am really disappointed he is leaving. I understand Bournemouth can do it. 

"He's a great lad, a leader, a Premier League player. He's done really well for us and it's been a pleasure to work with him. I wish him all the best."

Connor O'Riordan remains a transfer target, with Tomasson confirming Rovers' interest. However, discussions are ongoing about the structure of payment to match 500K release clause fee in his contract.

Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell has also been linked. He has been left out of their last two squads, with his omissions from the FA Cup tie against Peterborough Únited particularly eyebrow-raising.

However, no deal has been discussed with the Whites at this stage. Similarly, Joe Gelhardt has been linked but it's understood he isn't a target in this transfer window.