John Buckley wants to keep performing at such a level that he can’t be ignored by boss Tony Mowbray.

The young midfielder won praise from his manager for his performances in pre-season, playing in all six friendlies before being included in the matchday 18 against Charlton on Saturday.

Buckley was used off the bench in Rovers’ search for a second equaliser in what was his third substitute appearance for the senior side.

It has been a promising rise through the ranks for the Manchester-born midfielder who signed a three year deal in March.

“Keep getting in the 18 and then try and get a start,” Buckley said of his aims for this campaign.

“I think I am in and around it at the moment so if I keep training well and performing well then that will help me.

“If you are training well and playing well then he can’t ignore it so I have just keep doing my best.

“I have got to keep training well, playing well and when I get my chance take it but in the pre-season games I thought I played well to be fair.”

Buckley was an impressive performer for Damien Johnson’s Under-23s last season which earned him the opportunity to train with the senior side before his debut at Sheffield Wednesday in March.

Impressive performances in training during the final international break saw him earn a further chance off the bench on the final day against Swansea.

A big milestone for Buckley was a place on the plane for the pre-season tour of Austria and then his appearances in all six senior friendlies.

“I have think I have improved with them, especially since the back end of the season. I have had quite a lot of minutes in the games and I think I have done well,” said the 19-year-old.

“They are all good lads, if you make a mistake they are on you, constructively, but it is helping me be a better player.

“It was hard over there (in Austria) but I enjoyed it and it was something different.”

Buckley impressed in friendlies at Mansfield, Bury and Rangers in particular and was praised by Mowbray something he said was ‘nice to hear’.

He has been with the club since the age of seven and will not be sent out on loan, instead remain around the first-team squad to supplement Rovers’ midfield options.