SOME of Blackburn Rovers’ younger players could get another chance to shine at Rochdale tonight, and Gary Bowyer thinks they will have benefited greatly from a week in Portugal with the senior squad.

Rovers travel to Spotland for a pre-season friendly against a Rochdale side managed by ex-Blackburn player Keith Hill, and a number of young stars could be involved — even if only as second-half substitutes.

Bowyer’s squad have just returned from a week-long training camp on the Algarve when the senior squad — now including emerging trio John O’Sullivan, Darragh Lenihan and David Raya — were joined by prospects Ryan Nyambe, Anton Forrester, Connor Mahoney, Lewis Mansell and Andy Fisher.

MORE TOP STORIES:

“It’s been great for the youngsters to mix,” Bowyer said.

“We had quite a few young ones out there and it was great for them to get part of it and get a better understanding of what’s required, because in any club you’re not going to get a better opportunity to stake a place.

“It’s quite an opportunity for them to see your experienced ones — your Craig Conways, Lee Williamsons, Matt Kilgallons and all the other lads — and how they conduct themselves on and off the pitch, especially in those conditions.

“It was been brilliant for them and a week out there, I can’t measure how much it’s worth for some of them in terms of their development.”

The majority of Rovers’ first-team squad are due to be involved at Rochdale, but Bowyer plans to step up the game time for his senior players.

“It’ll be the next stage in the planning in terms of the minutes played,” Bowyer said.

“They had a tough week in Portugal and they’ve had a tough Monday as well going into the game. They’ve been taken out of their comfort zone.

“But the players have come through the sessions extremely well, the level of the work we’ve done has been unbelievable, and credit to them.

“It’s what you need pre-season; it’s never going to be easy, you’ve got to get on with it.”

Rovers are set to include Welsh international Adam Henley and Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans in their squad for tonight’s friendly after the pair missed the pre-season clash with Accrington to recover from their international exertions at the end of last season.

Midfielder Jason Lowe will also be in the matchday squad after recovering from injury which saw him miss the latter end of last season.

“They’ll be involved, 100 per cent,” Bowyer confirmed of the trio.

“They’ve come back flying, which is great news.”

Tonight’s friendly is a 7.45pm kick-off with tickets, available on the night, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for Under-16s.