Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer insists he has a “competitive” squad at his disposal following a host of summer exits.

Out-of-favour striker Leon Best became the latest to depart after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent on Wednesday with 12 months remaining on the deal.

Rovers have just 17 outfield players on their books who have appeared for the senior Blackburn side, but Bowyer is happy with his options with a month to go until the start of the season.

“There’s been departures in the summer but the players we’ve got left, it is still a competitive squad,” Bowyer, speaking prior to Best’s departure, told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“The fact that the numbers are reduced has brought the squad even tighter together already and you can see that around the building and on the training pitch.

“The fitness levels the players have come back in, and the mentality that they’ve got for the work, has been fantastic.

“There’s a good spirit amongst them and we’re really looking forward to the game on Saturday [a pre-season friendly with neighbours Accrington Stanley].”

Bowyer is keen to add to his squad before the season gets underway but he’s restricted by a Financial Fair Play embargo.

Best’s exit means there is space for six new free transfer or loan signings under the rules of the embargo.

Blackburn are 8.50 to be promoted next season or 26.00 to win the Championship outright.