Damien Johnson challenged Joe Rankin-Costello to come back as the best possible version of himself as he closes in on a return to action.

Rankin-Costello, a hot prospect at Rovers, has been out injured since February but is now in the closing stages of his rehabilitation work.

At this stage last season the 19-year-old had scored five times for the Under-23s and made his senior debut in the Checkatrade Trophy against Bury.

Johnson will hope to have Rankin-Costello back as soon as possible to help in their quest to move up the Premier League 2 table after a first win of the season against Liverpool.

“For Joe, what I’ve seen and what the challenge for him was, it was a setback but it was about what positives and opportunities that could arise from this,” the Under-23s boss said.

“It was an opportunity for him to come back a better athlete and he’s done that.

“He’s worked really hard, he’s shredded his body fat and he’s still a young boy in terms of growing into his body.

“He looks like he’s matured and developed physically.

“My challenge to him when he was disappointed was to come back a better Joe Rankin-Costello and he has given himself every chance of doing that.”

Johnson admits it has been a tough time for Rankin-Costello, who has 49 appearances at U23s level despite only turning 19 in July.

Rovers will have an eye on his contract situation, with his current deal expiring next summer.

On his injury progress, Johnson added: “He’s close. It’s been a tough period but he’s now on the grass and really starting to ramp up his rehab in terms of his striding and he’s looking at hitting top end speeds.

“When that starts happening then the physios hand him to the sports science department and it will be a case of a mini pre-season for him.

“He’s been out for a long time and we don’t want to rush him but the consultant is delighted with him, the physios are delighted with him, and I have to give him credit for his attitude.

“It’s hard, it’s a long road but his attitude and mentality have been faultless and he’s given himself a great chance to come back quickly from this.

“Hopefully his time with the sports science department will be brief.”