Rovers boss Tony Mowbray feels a new long-term deal for Lewis Travis is great news for both the club and midfielder.

Travis has emerged as a key player having graduated through the Academy after joining from Liverpool in 2014, and has signed a deal through to 2023.

It is great reward for the 21-year-old who impressed in his 26 Championship appearances last season having initially been primed for loan spells last summer and again in January, only to remain at Ewood Park.

And Rovers have benefited from that, with Travis expected to play a key role in the side in the upcoming season, and beyond, with Rovers rewarding him for his progress with a new and improved four-year contract.

“I think it’s great for Lewis but also great for the football club as well,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“He is a kid who has committed a lot of years to this football club and he’s a fantastic talent.

“The over-riding aspect of him is his physicality, his ability to run for 90 minutes and the huge numbers he will put in.

“He will tackle his granny and mixes it up.

“There are things he will need to work on of course if we are to become more technical in moving through the lines.

“But he’s staying out in the afternoons, trying to improve and get better and I think it’s a great bit of business for the club as well as Lewis.”

Rovers have strengthened their central midfield ranks with the addition of Bradley Johnson on a free transfer after leaving Derby County.

He brings plenty of experience at Championship level and supplements Corry Evans and Richie Smallwood as options in the middle of the park.

But Mowbray says that will only make Travis, who came off the bench to score the equalising goal in last weekend’s friendly at Rangers, more determined to win a shirt in the starting line-up.

Travis has become a firm favourite with the Rovers supporters, with his all-action performances in central midfield winning many admirers.

A new contract will help stave off interest from other clubs, with Travis’ reputation only set to grow with the more experience he gets at first-team level.

“I see the fire burning really strong in him,” the Rovers boss added.

“We have signed a couple of central midfield players this summer and Trav is not taking any prisoners.

“He’s tackling everybody and showing why he’s here. I like that sort of thing.

“Lewis will force himself into the team and will make sure he stays there.

“It’s a huge signing for us moving forward and he’s here for a good few years now.

“He’ll only get better and better and help this club prosper.”