BLACKBURN Rovers’ pre-season schedule starts in earnest today, as their Austrian training camp gets underway, with a lot of uncertainty hanging over what next season has in store. We take a look at how things are shaping up and what needs to be done before the big kick off on August 13.

Ambitions

THE pressure will be well and truly on Rovers from the start this season as a healthy transfer pot and bold predictions raise expectations around Ewood Park.

Over the last few seasons, Rovers have performed miracles to just stay in the Premier League with no real investment from their owners – now it would appear they don’t have that excuse.

No-one is expecting the club’s fortunes to drastically change overnight but, with Venky’s prepared to put their money where their mouths are, improvement is a must.

Manager Steve Kean raised the stakes a little when predicting Rovers would be challenging for Champions League football within four years as did his promises of a “very, very healthy transfer budget”.

Europe may prove a bridge too far this season but anything else but a top 10 finish would have to be classed as a failure for a new-look Rovers.

Departures

The loss of Phil Jones to Manchester United was a huge blow but it was also inevitable with all the big guns waiting to swoop.

Jones had been immense ever since breaking into the team 18 months ago but the loss of a central defender should not be too hard to overcome, especially with the likes of Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen still on board.

The key for Kean now is to keep hold of the rest of his squad, although you get the feeling he will have a battle on his hands to keep Samba away from Spurs or Arsenal.

Junior Hoilett is another player key to Rovers’ future and, with new contract talks already started, the sooner that gets sorted the better.

Last season’s loan players Roque Santa Cruz, Jermaine Jones and Mame Biram Diouf all need to be replaced, while Benjani has yet to sign his new deal at the club.

The next few weeks will also prove crucial for Nikola Kalinic, and all the signs are he will start next season at another club.

Incomings

Speculation has been rife about potential signings but, as yet, nothing concrete has materialised.

Kean’s priority this summer is to boost his options in attack with two strikers targeted.

These don’t come cheap though with Rovers prepared to smash their transfer record to bring in the goals next season.

Their success in landing a goalscorer will probably determine their success next season, with just Jason Roberts and Nikola Kalinic currently contracted to the club as out and out strikers – and the former probably won’t be here come the start of the season.

January signings Ruben Rochina and Mauro Formica will also be like new players this summer, having been signed in readiness for this season and a lot is expected from both.

Another key area is central midfield. Rovers are still trying to secure Jermaine Jones after he impressed on loan last season, but other targets are being readied in case of failure.

Kean will also look to add numbers in defence, with a player capable of playing anywhere across the back four the real aim.

Youngsters to watch out for

Rovers’ academy has more than played its part in recent years and there is no reason to suggest the conveyor belt can’t continue at Brockhall this year.

The main hope has to be Grant Hanley, a young central defender who has already proved he can cope in the Premier League.

A lot of people behind the scenes have high hopes for the tough tackling Scot.

Former boss Sam Allardyce was a big fan and should Hanley get the chance he could yet prove to be the next jewel in the crown.

Josh Morris, a left-sided player equally as adept in midfield or defence, is another player expected to make the step up this season, having been on the fringe of things last campaign.

Jason Lowe, Nick Blackman and Robbie Cotton will also be players to watch this season.

Pre-season schedule

It will be a hectic summer for Rovers’ squad with a lot of travelling and not too many games.

It can’t be worse than last pre-season though, when results were dreadful.

A trip to India will be a great honour for the club as they become the first Premier League side to visit the country, while the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong will provide a great test.

Fixtures against Accrington, Morecambe and Kilmarnock on home soil aren’t exactly the toughest games but at this stage it is all about getting game time under your belt.