GARY Bowyer hopes his emerging young players will help to solve Blackburn Rovers’ embargo woes.

Rovers are currently under embargo after falling foul of the Football League’s new financial fair play regulations and Bowyer has admitted that he does not expect those restrictions to be lifted this summer.

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The club are also likely to have to face interest in key players such as Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes.

Middlesbrough were yesterday reported to be considering renewing their interest in Rhodes after having a bid rejected three months ago. Boro’s assistant head coach Steve Agnew is the striker’s uncle.

Bowyer could potentially be left with a small squad at his disposal next season and the Rovers boss says that could mean extra opportunities for youngsters.

Rovers’ under 21 side reached the final of the Premier League Cup during 2014/15, while David Raya, John O’Sullivan and Darragh Lenihan all made full debuts for the senior side in the final weeks of the season.

Bowyer has challenged the trio to make the next step to become regular contenders for the first team during the 2015/16 campaign.

The manager said: “To give David Raya, John O’Sullivan and Darragh Lenihan their opportunities, all three of them have been a massive bonus to us.

“We’re looking forward them to us starting with us pre-season and it’s up to them then to show how they can kick on again.

“After that we’re young then. The under 21s did terrifically to get to the final and if you look at the spirit and the age of the team they’re a very young bunch.

“But we believe in subjecting them to that challenge and we’re sure they’ll come out of it well.

“Some of them you’ve got to give them more time because they’re still growing, still developing and learning.

“Physically some aren’t there yet. You’ve got to be mindful of that.

“We’ve started bringing one or two with us, training or travelling with us, and that’s important because with the embargo and the restrictions they’re going to have opportunities.

“We’re hopeful a couple may step up next year.”

Lenihan could feature for the Republic of Ireland under 21 team today when they face an England C side in Galway at 3pm.

The Irish squad then travel to St George’s Park in Staffordshire to face the England under 21s on Friday.

Ryan Nyambe came close to a first-team debut for Rovers at the end of the season after being named on the bench for the FA Cup quarter final replay against Liverpool and the final game of the season at home to Ipswich Town.

Bowyer believes the defender is another player who has potential, even if a patient approach will be taken.

The manager said: “He found himself on the bench against Ipswich and ideally we would have liked to put him on.

“But he’s going to be better for that experience and we’re interested to seeing how he comes back after the summer.

“But he’s only 17 at this time so you can’t put too much pressure on him.”