Derrick Williams will return to training on Monday after a calf problem ruled him out of Rovers’ pre-season programme.

The Republic of Ireland international will miss the opening game against Charlton but boss Tony Mowbray is hopeful the 25-year-old will soon be back in action after his injury lay-off.

Rovers boosted their defensive options with the loan signing of Manchester City youngster Tosin Adarabioyo on Wednesday.

Williams finished last season in the heart of Rovers' defence, having played the final six games, keeping captain Charlie Mulgrew out of the side. He also offers versatility to Mowbray having played much of his football for Rovers at left back.

Sam Hart (hamstring) is also out of the reckoning for the opening day, with Amari’i Bell likely to start at left back, despite competition from Stewart Downing.

“I think he will back training on Monday,” Mowbray said of Williams.

“It’s been a frustrating pre-season for Derrick.

“I think if he’d have been fit there would have been a fair chance that he might have got a game tomorrow, but we have to move on and play with what you’ve got.

“I thought he finished the season very well for us.

“We are looking forward to getting him back and creating some competition in our backline.

“As I said, I think he finished the season very well and knowing Derrick he will want to continue in the same vain.

“He’ll have to compete with the defenders we’ve now got available to try and get in the team but I’ve no fears that if he gets in the team he won’t let anyone down because he’s a conscientious guy with good attributes.”