Jon Dahl Tomasson has challenged Dilan Markanday to seize his opportunity and prove he should be starting for Blackburn Rovers.

The winger started the opening two Championship matches of the season but has been on the bench in the last few games. He wasn't involved in the matchday squad against Plymouth Argyle with other clubs interest in a potential loan on transfer deadline day.

Markanday stayed and will fight for his place on the right side of the attack this season. He's likely to get an opportunity from the start against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup next week.

Tomasson has challenged the former Tottenham Hotspur winger to continue doing the right things in training and take his chance when it falls. He wants to see the same consistency every day if he's to earn a place back in the starting team.

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"At the moment, players pick themselves on the training pitch," Tomasson told The Lancashire Telegraph last week. "That's why when we play an 11 vs 11 internally or against Rochdale, it's important to play good with the ball and without the ball.

"Then you are automatically playing if you play better than your opponent or the guy in front of you. Dilan had a very difficult loan at Aberdeen, I felt very sorry for Dilan because he wanted to go away and play minutes.

"I think when he came back, he has been doing a good job but there is also competition that he has to deal with. He needs to show the staff every day that he is ready and do the right things."

Markanday came off the bench against Sunderland and looked lively. He came closest to grabbing an equaliser for Rovers, shifting the ball onto his left foot and hitting the base of the post in an unlucky effort.

"He hit the post, it could have been a goal," Tomasson said post-match. "Those moments are important, it's a good opportunity for the young lads to grab and try to improve.

"There are a lot of games coming and we need everyone to be up to speed."