Rovers are finding it hard to add depth to their squad with Tony Mowbray saying Premier League clubs are unwilling to release players unless they can be guaranteed game-time.

While the Rovers starting line-up looks strong, their squad depth has been tested by injuries to key players.

Darragh Lenihan and Tosin Adarabioyo have struck up a good understanding in the heart of the defence, claiming 26 points from the 12 points they have been paired together.

There would be a concern should either of the pair get injured, with Rovers having struggled in their respective absences this season.

Charlie Mulgrew has returned from his loan spell at Wigan and boosts numbers in that area, but Derrick Williams would be next in line should either of the pairing sustain an injury, while Ryan Nyambe could also fill in.

But Mowbray admits trying to add Premier League loanees to his squad without the guarantee of regular football can make striking deals difficult.

Asked if would be concerned by an injury in defence, Mowbray said: “Central defence, Derrick Williams is sitting there and had some pretty good performances for us. Lenihan and Williams helped us to win four games earlier in the season.

“If we get injuries then people have to step up to the mark. Nyambe is an international centre half for his country, people have to step up.

“It’s very difficult to go and try and get a 20-year-old from the Premier League who his club really rate and is going to be successful, but tell them you’re going to stick them on the bench. They won’t come, they don’t come.

“I don’t lie to people, I wouldn’t tell the manager he’s going to play and then just stick him on the bench and if they don’t get injured he doesn’t play. Otherwise that club would never give you another player again.

“That’s the balance, trying to bring a similar quality central defender in to your club but don’t play him. It’s the same with other positions, goalkeeper, whatever it might be, when you try and strengthen behind the scenes.

“If they’re not coming to play, they’re not coming.”

Rovers spent last week in Portugal on a training camp, but Mowbray is mindful of the training his players are doing, coming in to a busy period of games that will see Rovers play seven times in February.

“Losing Joe Rothwell is a concern, if we lost Adam Armstrong it would be a concern,” he added.

“You don’t want to lose your key players and that’s why your training programme is really, really important.

“Modern day football, the sports science is huge, how much load you give to your players, how much training do you give them to improve their fitness levels before you start draining their fitness levels by overworking them?

“It’s that balance between rest and training.”