Dilan Markanday is keen to make sure that he is “ready” for any opportunities that come his way.

The wideman got 45 minutes under his belt in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brazilian club Esporte Clube Bahia on Wednesday afternoon and managed to get on the scoresheet.

Markanday also impressed for Mike Sheron’s Under-21 side during the 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace over the weekend, playing the full 90 minutes and bagging a brace.

The 22-year-old is eager to get as many minutes under his belt as possible and insists there is no substitute for time on the pitch.

He is determined to keep putting in the hard yards as he aims to impress Jon Dahl Tomasson and nail down a place in the side.

Markanday also wants to set a good example to Rovers’ young talent as the club’s Academy continues to shine.

“You are never truly match fit unless you are playing, so to come down and get a full 90 minutes will help that and help me ensure I’m ready whenever I’m called upon,” he told RoversTV after the Palace game.

“Any game of football, I enjoy. I think there was lots of good play from the boys and we tried to do the right things, the things the gaffer wants us to do.

“I want to come down, play and set an example to the young boys, and I hope I did that and contributed to the game for the team. Overall, we are disappointed that we didn’t win the game.”

Markanday has made 18 first-team appearances in all competitions since the start of the campaign, with 14 of those coming in the Championship.

He scored against West Brom on the opening day and was also on target in the Carabao Cup fixtures against Harrogate and Cardiff.