Further movement is expected within the Rovers Under-23s squad before the January window closes.

Damien Johnson has welcomed Matty Platt back in to the fold after he was recalled from his loan spell with Accrington Stanley.

Midfielder Lewis Hardcastle was also recalled from his time at Port Vale, but could be set to for another loan move away from Ewood Park the second half of the season.

Sam Hart has a loan move ready to be signed off, with a League One side keen to him, while goalkeeper Ollie Byrne joined Stevenage on Monday.

Willem Tomlinson could be allowed to leave on a permanent basis, in a bid to kickstart his career, after making only a second Under-23s appearance since September in Monday’s defeat to Derby County.

Brad Lyons, whose move from Coleraine was made permanent last week, is also finalising a move to St Mirren where he will join up with his former Coleraine boss Oran Kearney.

The club also opted against taking up the permanent option within Mitchel Candlin’s loan deal, with the striker having now returned to his parent club, Walsall.

On the changing face of his side, Johnson said: “We lost Brad and Joe (Nuttall) from last week’s squad. Brad has obviously got a terrific opportunity and Joe has obviously got his chance with the first team which is what it’s all about.

“If we can help the first team with young players who can make the step up then that’s great.

“There may be more going out. Ollie Byrne has gone out, and that’s the nature of things.

“Some lads who aren’t at that first team stage may have to move on and look for first team football at other clubs, and the onus is on the younger players who are coming through and been waiting for their chance to step up and grasp it.

“I’m expecting some more movement this month but that’s part and parcel of Under-23s football and the development of this group.”

Nuttall scored in the weekend win over Millwall, while Danny Butterworth, currently suspended from Under-23s action, has made the last two matchday squads.

Lewis Travis has also thrived on the first team scene, with Johnson delighted with the impact the trio have made.

He added: “It’s terrific to see. The manager is always here, he’s got a good eye, and he doesn’t have to rely on my feedback, he’s seeing them for himself.

“The bottom line was that Joe had scored nine goals in five games, that’s enough to impact on the manager and he got his opportunity.

“Danny has to learn from his red card, but he’s a threat. We like Danny and it’s great to see him getting an opportunity, and the manager giving him one.

“Likewise with Lewis Travis. It’s been good to see him taking his opportunity. That’s important, the manager will give you an opportunity, but you have to take it and the challenge for them is to keep pushing and keep impacting. Then it’s about ‘who’s next and who will catch the manager’s eye?’

“Every game is an opportunity and when they can do that best.”