Blackburn Rovers boss Gary Bowyer says the aim of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley is to give as many players some time on the pitch as possible.
The clash at the Store First Stadium will be the first time the Championship outfit have taken to the field since the last campaign finished on May 2.
The fixture will provide a good opportunity for the players to shake off any rustiness and it will also give Bowyer the chance to identify any areas of the squad that could do with strengthening.
Rovers barely have 20 senior members on their books and the recent departure of Leon Best, who had his contract terminated by mutual consent, has left the team even lighter on the ground.
Saturday will likely see on-trial midfielders Dean Furman and Giles Coke playing some part in the match and Bowyer is hoping the match can help to get the players back to full fitness.
“The main of aim of the game will be getting 45 minutes under the belt, getting used to being back playing again and getting the timings back,” he said. “We’re looking to come through 45 minutes, with no injuries, and come off pleased with a good afternoon’s work.”
Bowyer will have to make a decision on the inclusion of Shane Duffy, Jason Lowe, Adam Henley and Corry Evans after injuries and international duties have left the quartet struggling for fitness.
Rovers head to Portugal on Monday for a seven-day warm-weather training camp before returning to friendly action at Rochdale on July 21.
Blackburn then begin their Championship season at home to Wolves and the hosts are favourites for the win at 2.40, a draw is 3.20 while the visitors are a 2.88 chance.
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