Tony Mowbray admits a decision over the future of Jack Rodwell is ‘up in the air’ as both parties weigh up the possibility of an extended Ewood stay.

Rodwell penned a one year deal with Rovers in August after leaving Sunderland and has played 10 times in all competitions.

The 27-year-old impressed in last weekend’s win at Millwall and could come back in to the squad for today’s visit of Ipswich Town after missing out against Newcastle United through illness.

Mowbray admits game-time could well dictate whether the former England international would consider staying at the club, but is happy with his contribution so far.

“I think that’s a conversational thing with Jack. I’m hoping the environment, the lads and the training. He would want to play every week I think but he understands that,” the boss said.

“If he’s not playing enough come the end of the season and wants to do something else then we will take that on the chin. But if he wants to, and we think it’s the right thing for him to stay, then we will offer him a new deal.

“I think that’s up in the air.

“We have 19 games of the season to go, let’s run the next dozen games and see where we’re at, what everyone feels, and hopefully it goes both well for both of us and he stays and does well for us.”

Rodwell has played much of his career, one hampered by injury for long spells, as a central midfielder.

However, Mowbray has mainly used him in central defence, a position Rovers will have to make long-term decisions on.

Darragh Lenihan and Charlie Mulgrew have been the first choice pairing throughout Mowbray’s time at the club, with Rodwell and Derrick Williams both used as understudies.

Paul Downing could be allowed to leave the club this month, with interest from a League One club, though Rovers do have a raft of promising central defenders coming through their ranks.

Rodwell took a significant drop in wages to join Rovers on a free transfer, but Mowbray doesn’t believe that will come in to the player’s thinking when deciding his next move.

But whatever happens, the boss believes Rodwell has been a shining light in training.

He added: “Game time is what he will factor in I’m sure. I’m not sure salary level is something he factors in, I think he just wants to play football and enjoy his football career.

“This environments suits and fits, but ultimately he will make that decision. We will have conversations, I enjoy having him around our training ground and his versatility.

“He’s played in midfield in one or two games, but also at the back.

“I think it’s good for some of our young players to see how talented he is with the ball, how composed he is, and how he can play through a press, he does that very well in training and is a good example out on the grass.”