Jon Dahl Tomasson is happy with the level of talent in the Rovers squad – but admits they could struggle to cope with the physical demands of the Championship without reinforcements.

The squad was stretched during the final stages of last season and a number of experienced players have departed Ewood Park this summer, including the likes of Ben Brereton, Bradley Dack and Thomas Kaminski.

While four new faces have arrived at the club, Tomasson is still keen to add depth in preparation for the intense schedule over the coming weeks and months.

The Rovers boss previously joked he would be willing to pick up potential signings in Rovers’ new team bus if it meant getting more bodies in the building.

When asked if it was time to start the engine, Tomasson grinned: “First, we need to find the keys!

“We shouldn’t forget – myself, the staff, the players and the fans – the players we have are not the problem. The problem is the players we don’t have.

“If you look at the experience and the goals we lost last season, there is nothing wrong with that but it is extremely different.

“It is probably why Steve (Waggott) spoke about the expectations being, first and foremost, to stay in the league and develop players.”

He added: “I am very happy with the players I have, they are extremely good players.

“They are young players as well with a lot of potential. But we all know we lost a lot of experience and goals last season.”

The new stoppage time rules will increase the physical toll on players across the EFL, and Tomasson believes it could have a big impact on teams as the season progresses.

“Last season, the squad was stretched in the final months and I didn’t have a senior striker at that time,” he continued.

“We all know how tough this great league is and when you look at the number of games played, there are more with the cups because we want a cup run.

“And with the new rules, it will be like playing nine more games over the season if you keep the same level of minutes. The squad is probably too small to manage the league.”