JASON Lowe is set to take the armband at Ewood Park this season, although his coronation as captain won’t happen until the opening game against Norwich City.

The 24-year-old has led Blackburn Rovers in pre-season after previous skipper Grant Hanley was first injured and then completed a £5.5million move to Newcastle United.

Manager Owen Coyle wouldn’t confirm the appointment, but he did drop a hint that former academy graduate Lowe would be leading the team out against the Canaries next weekend.

And he laughed off suggestions that he would let the players choose their skipper, like Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed he will this week.

“We’ve not decided in essence of publicly announcing it,” said Rovers boss Coyle.

“But it’s no secret that Jason Lowe’s captained the team and has done very well. 

“He’s a player I really like. He’s a man who epitomises everything about Blackburn Rovers.

“I think there’s a lot of value in that, and he’s shown leadership qualities.

“When we start against Norwich City, it will be fair to see who the captain is when we line up.”

He added: “Every manager has a different take on how they do things. It doesn’t make it right or wrong, it just makes it their way.

“If Pep chooses to do it like that then good luck to him. He’s probably done that on the premise of he’s not worked in England before.

“We’ve come in knowing there are very good players here, players I’ve seen for a number of years.

“Within the pre-season, Jason Lowe has certainly stood out as one amongst a number of players who could be a very good captain for Blackburn Rovers.”