JOE Rankin-Costello is pushing on to beat the projections for his injury return – as talks over his long-term future continue.

A fractured metatarsal ended Rankin-Costello’s season in April and Tony Mowbray wasn’t expecting to see the 21-year-old back in action until the middle of pre-season.

Rankin-Costello himself however is understood to be eyeing involvement from the first day Rovers return to training at the end of next month as he bids to put his injury frustrations behind him.

Two other absences from hamstring issues restricted him to 16 appearances, but they were all starts, Rankin-Costello having emerged as a consistent member of the side under Mowbray, playing in a variety of positions.

Rovers have secured his future for at least another 12 months, the Academy graduate having had the option in his contract taken up, with the club confident of securing a longer extension for one of their brightest youngsters.

He will hope that can coincide with an upturn in fortunes on the fitness front, with injuries against Derby County in September and Luton Town in November bringing disruption to his season.

Rankin-Costello was selected ahead of Ryan Nyambe at right back when fit, the Namibia international also in a similar position with his contract, albeit will be able to walk away from the club for nothing next summer owing to his age.

There is the prospect of them playing in the same team together, Rankin-Costello having demonstrated his ability to play on the left side of the pitch, in defensive or attacking positions, as well as central midfield.

It is that versatility that will see him remain a key fixture in the side, so long as he can maintain his fitness.

Rovers had a contract breakthrough earlier this week, with Scott Wharton penning a three-year extension to his contract, following John Buckley and Tyrhys Dolan in signing long-term deals this year, while Bradley Johnson also signed up for a further 12 months.

However, Harry Chapman’s future remains up in the air, as the offer of a new deal remains unsigned, while Elliott Bennett is also set to leave Ewood Park unless a new deal can be struck.

Rovers are also aiming to make one last push to try and get Adam Armstrong to sign an extended contract, his current deal due to expire next summer, which will likely force the club into a sale given the impact of that on his market value.

There is a similar case with Joe Rothwell as the midfielder, who joined Rovers in 2018 after running down his deal at Oxford United, looks to be doing the same at Ewood Park, with no movement on his contractual situation as yet.

Mowbray has predicted a big season ahead for the 26-year-old, who made 42 appearances in 2020/21, but there remains the prospect of Rovers listening to offers for the former Manchester United midfielder should one be forthcoming during the transfer window.