Dan Pike has a first-team debut in his sights after signing a new long-term contract with Rovers.

The teenage full back appeared in 19 matches for the Under-23s last season, his form earning him a spot on the bench in the senior side on three occasions.

And while a debut wasn’t forthcoming, Pike hopes to be part of Tony Mowbray’s plans in the close season in a bid to force his way into the reckoning heading into next season.

Rovers have Academy graduates Ryan Nyambe and Joe Rankin-Costello as right back options, but with the pair only under contract until the end of next season, and Elliott Bennett’s deal soon to expire, there could well be an opening for the 19-year-old to take advantage of .

After signing a two-year deal, with an option, Pike said: “The aim for next season is definitely to try and make my debut for the first team. Just being in and around it has given me a real hunger to achieve more. 

“It was a great experience and I learnt a lot training with them and just being around it on matchday, seeing how the players prepare.

“I’m looking forward to going back in pre-season and smashing it and seeing what the season holds for me.”

Pike has been rewarded for his performances within the Under-23s set-up, and the impression he’s made on first-team boss Mowbray, with a new deal through to 2023, with the option of a further 12 months.

The right back has been with the club since the age of 18, signing his first professional deal last summer, and has been handed the longest extension of any of the Under-23s squad.  And after a successful year for the Under-23s, finishing fourth in Premier League 2, Pike is excited for what the future will hold.

He added: “It’s a great feeling. It’s been a good season and I’m just happy to be given the opportunity to sign a new deal with the club.

“I’ve worked hard this season and produced some good performances, which I’m happy about. Playing in the PL2, with the increased intensity, I think it’s helped to improve my game and my decision making on and off the ball.

“And for the team, if someone had told us at the start of the season that we would be in a title challenge with Manchester City for so long, we would all have bitten your hand off for the opportunity to do that, so credit to the lads for how hard we worked throughout the season.”