As the campaign draws to a close, with only eight games remaining, thoughts have already turned to next season.

Rovers have been proactive over the contract situation of the majority of their first team squad, and promising youngsters, in recent months, highlighted by the shortage of players whose deals expire this summer.

But there are some interesting decisions ahead of boss Tony Mowbray.

Craig Conway has featured 22 times this season, but only seven from the start in the league. The winger signed a 12 month extension last summer, which does include an option of a further year, but Conway is unlikely to trigger that given his lack of starts this season.

A popular figure the dressing room, and often counted unlucky by his manager not to start more, will Conway look for more game-time elsewhere, or be happy to have another bit-part role moving forward were another 12 month deal to be offered?

The contract that Jack Rodwell signed when arriving on a free transfer in August is also coming to an end. The 27-year-old, currently out injured, has started 14 Championship matches since his arrival, with a further three substitute outings and one Carabao Cup start.

Mowbray has looked to convert the former England international in to a central defender, having played for much of his career as a holding midfielder. Rodwell has undoubted ability, but has been part of a backline which has shipped plenty of goals this term.

Mowbray has remained relaxed about Rodwell’s contract situation, though he has settled in well after a difficult time at Sunderland. He is unlikely to be first choice next season, in whatever position, so will factor that in to any decision he makes, and may have seen Rovers as a good grounding to getting his name back out there.

Rovers are likely to offer him an extended stay however, but his future is very much in the balance.

Another player whose deal expires this summer is No.2 goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler. The Canadian international has made just one Championship start this season, keeping a clean sheet in the win over QPR in November while deputising for David Raya.

That is one of just six appearances the 29-year-old has made since joining on a free transfer from Shrewsbury in 2017. Mowbray has made known his desire to add more competition to first choice David Raya, having been linked with a move for Frank Fielding last summer.

Leutwiler’s current deal does include an option for a further 12 months, and there could be a scenario where that is triggered, to allow Andrew Fisher, currently out on loan at National League North side FC United of Manchester, to gain further experience away from Ewood Park next season, and a new goalkeeper brought in to provide a more genuine threat to Raya’s position.

Ben Gladwin has endured an injury hit two seasons at Rovers having not played since November 2017. He is unlikely to feature before his current deal expires, despite having worked hard to get back to full fitness.

A signing from QPR, the 26-year-old hasn’t started a league game for Rovers, with 11 appearances in all to his name.

Paul Downing, currently on loan at League One side Doncaster Rovers, is also out of contract. His deal does include an option for a further 12 months after joining permanently from MK Dons in January 2018.

However, part of the decision to allow the 27-year-old to leave on loan in January was with a view to Downing looking to get himself fixed up with a deal for next season, and beyond.

The central defender made two Championship starts before leaving on loan, but did play a key role in the promotion from League One last season. However, with Mowbray having re-iterated his desire to strengthen in defence this summer again after the 4-2 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, Downing is expected to be on the departure list.

All other current first team players are under contract for at least another 12 months, with Harrison Reed the only current loan player on the club’s books.

Of the current Under-23s squad, Joe Rankin-Costello is the most high profile name to be out of contract this summer. But after an excellent return after 12 months out injured, that is expected to be resolved in the coming days.

Stefan Mols, who made one substitute appearance for the first team last season also sees his current deal expire in June, but Rovers may look to give him a further year.

Defenders Charley Doyle, Matty Platt and Jack Doyle, midfielder Lewis Hardcastle and striker Lewis Mansell, currently on loan at Partick Thistle, are others whose contract situation will be considered.