Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has hailed his side’s spirit ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign.

Tomasson’s men are aiming to build on last season’s seventh-place finish, which was their best in a decade.

The squad has been stretched in pre-season, with a number of young players getting opportunities in the first-team picture.

Despite the challenges on and off the pitch in recent weeks, Tomasson has been pleased with his side’s attitude and says morale is good in the changing room.

“They have a great spirit, the boys, and also the staff – the people who work on a daily basis together,” he told The Lancashire Telegraph.

“It is a big compliment to them and I am very respectful because, for them, it is also an unclear situation, like the fans.

“I must give them a big compliment for the spirit and the way they are together.”

Tomasson felt there were plenty of positives to take from the 3-2 defeat against Girona at Ewood Park over the weekend.

Harry Leonard and Dilan Markanday were both on target against the Spanish outfit, who finished 10th in La Liga last term.

Tomasson felt his side made some good decisions on the ball and believes the experience will stand his squad in good stead for the coming season.

“I think it was a great performance, to be honest,” he added. “We played a side from Spain who won against Real Madrid (last season) and can play football at a very high level.

“I actually thought we did a lot of good things. All credit to the lads, I think they had a great identity. They want to play football and do the right things, and with the right spirit.

“We saw that togetherness within the squad and is was good to end pre-season with a game like this.

“I don’t think we will play against a team who plays like that in the Championship this season. They are at a higher level, everything goes quicker.

“But the way we moved the ball with speed, one or two touch and making the right choices, was actually quite good. Before we scored our second, we had a big chance and it was a very even game at that time.

“Of course, they had a couple of chances in the second half because they have class. But the boys were still fighting and trying to get back in it. It was a positive test.”

Tomasson’s men are back at Ewood Park when they kick-off the new campaign against West Brom on Saturday, August 5 (3pm).

The Baggies finished ninth in the table last term, three points behind Rovers, following a 3-2 defeat against Swansea on the final day.

Carlos Corberan’s side wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a 4-3 defeat at League One Bolton despite Brandon Thomas-Asante’s brace. Jed Wallace was also on target at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.