Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer wants more from midfield

Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer wants his midfielders to share the goal-scoring burden at Ewood Park next season.

Strikers Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes grabbed 43 goals between them last season and Bowyer wants his midfield, and defence, to share the attacking responsibility more in the coming campaign.

The Rovers boss also rejected speculation winger Ben Marshall could be sold this summer after Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton were linked.

The duo are reportedly ready to pay £1.5million for Marshall but Bowyer says that figure “wouldn’t buy his right foot” and branded the rumours as “pie in the sky”.

Bowyer sees Marshall as crucial to his plans for the season ahead and expects the 24-year-old to improve on the seven goal haul he managed in 2014-15.

“It’s safe to say he should have got double figures last season and it’s safe to say we need more goals from midfield this season,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I’ve already spoken to the midfielders, and I’ve told the defenders they are going to have contribute more than they did last season, too.

“But, certainly, the midfield lot need to contribute more goals and Marshy is certainly one lad who can do that.”

Rhodes and Gestede both missed Blackburn’s warm-weather training camp in Portugal due to injury but both are set to return to pre-season action in the coming weeks and the pair should be fit for the visit of Wolves in the first round of Championship fixtures.

Blackburn are 2.50 to beat Wolves or 23.00 to win 3-0.