Blackburn Rovers’ international stars get extended break ahead of pre-season

Bowyer’s boys will return to Brockhall next week for fitness work ahead of the new Championship season but Wales international Adam Henley and Northern Ireland’s Corry Evans will not be among the players reporting for duty.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The Ewood Park chief has confirmed he will give both players an extended break after they helped their national teams close in on a place at next year’s European Championships.

“They’ve got a different programme,” said Bowyer.

“We’re in on the 30th and then they’ll have about four or five more days extra after that because training with Northern Ireland and Wales, that’s been an extra two or three weeks.

“But we’ll look after them and make sure they’re ready.”

Henley was part of the Wales squad that upset Belgium in Cardiff to maintain Chris Coleman’s side’s unbeaten start and leave the Welsh three points clear at the top of their group and within touching distance of a place in France next summer.

The Rovers defender, who was in fine form over the closing weeks of last season, is still waiting for his first cap but Bowyer expects that to change sooner or later.

“It was a great way to Adam to celebrate his 21st birthday,” Bowyer said of Henley’s time away with Wales.

“I was delighted although disappointed he didn’t get on, but he’s still only young and pushing in and around that squad, which has some fantastic players in there, and I was delighted to watch them and see the result that they pulled off.”

Northern Ireland are also closing on a place in the European Championships after they secured a 0-0 draw with Romania which leaves them second in their group.

And Bowyer was equally pleased to see Rovers midfielder Evans take to the international stage.

“He only got on for a bit in a wide area but again a great result for them and now I hope they qualify because it would be great for our players to play in the Euros,” added Bowyer.