BLACKBURN Rovers boss Gary Bowyer believes the sale of Martin Olsson could yet work to the advantage of his brother Markus.
The Olsson twins had spent the past 18 months together in the Rovers squad, after the arrival of Markus in January 2012.
Martin’s exit to Norwich this week means that Markus must now cope without his brother at Ewood Park, but Bowyer thinks it also gives him a real opportunity to secure regular football this season.
The twins both operate on the left side and Martin’s departure potentially frees up the left back spot.
Bowyer did not rule out strengthening in that position, with Portuguese under 20 international Kiko among those linked, but says he is no rush.
“We’ve got a few options but we have Markus and Josh Morris, and Matt Kilgallon can play there too,” said the Rovers boss.
“So it’s not something we’re panicking about that we need to get a left back in straight away. Markus’ brother has left but now it’s an opportunity in that left back spot for him.”
On the decision to sell Martin to Norwich, Bowyer said: “He has been here for seven years but he just felt the opportunity to play in the Premier League was something he wanted, particularly with the World Cup coming up.
“It’s like in any job, if you get the chance for a promotion you are going to be tempted by that.
“We thank him for what he has done for us, and he did the same for what we have done for him.”
Rovers play their second friendly of pre-season at 7.30pm today against Portimonense, having spent the week based in the Algarve.
Based in Portimao, the club have spent the past two seasons in the Portuguese second tier following relegation from the top flight.
Bowyer has taken a squad of 27 players to Portugal and says most will again play only 45 minutes each at the Estadio Municipal, as they did at Wrexham.
“It will be 45 minutes again,” he said. “I know the players will go on to the pitch and want to do well, but it is mainly about fitness. I don’t expect players to be fully fit yet.
“Everyone has worked very hard and it’s been a good trip for the group.
“I know it’s been hot at home but it was 38 degrees here on Wednesday. We trained once when we arrived on Monday, twice on Tuesday and then three times on Wednesday.
“We had a lighter day on Thursday but then we built it up again yesterday and have another session today before the game in the evening.
“It’s been a great camp, and it’s been great for the new players to get to know everyone.”
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