Blackburn Rovers will get their first outing of pre-season on Saturday against Accrington Stanley with fans getting a first glimpse of some exciting Academy talent.

Rovers will now play one 90-minute match at The Wham Stadium, rather than the two 60-minute games that were initially advertised.

John Eustace is expected to split his squad into two teams, with each player getting a maximum of 45 minutes. The emphasis, as usual, will be on fitness and rhythm, rather than the result.

Ryan Hedges is unlikely to be involved. The Welshman has been back in training after suffering a second serious hamstring injury at the end of last season.

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As The Lancashire Telegraph previously reported, the 28-year-old is expected to be fit for the start of the season. It's understood Hedges is ahead of schedule and has been active in training but won't be risked or rushed.

Similarly, Sam Szmodics and Arnor Sigurdsson could play a smaller role in the match after coming back later for pre-season. It's unclear where their fitness levels will be, having played at the start of June for their countries but therefore being afforded extra time off.

Kyle McFadzean and John Fleck will not be involved as they're no longer contracted to Rovers. The latter had agreed a deal for next season in principle but there has been no movement since. With each passing week, it is more likely he will sign elsewhere.

No formal communication has been made on either since the retained list stated Rovers remained in discussions with the pair. Eustace will likely provide an update after the match on Saturday.

The head coach has a decision to make on which goalkeeper will feature after Leopold Wahlstedt's exit to Arghaus this week. Joe Hilton was often third-choice last term and could play a half.

Igor Tyjon, Georgie Gent, Jack Vale and Pat Gamble should all be involved having trained with the first-team throughout the start of pre-season. Zac Gilsenan will be assessed after missing the end of last season with an ankle issue.

Senior players such as Hayden Carter, Dom Hyam, Callum Brittain, Harry Pickering, Joe Rankin-Costello, Sondre Tronstad, John Buckley, Lewis Travis, Tyrhys Dolan and Sam Gallagher will all be involved.

Connor O'Riordan, Jake Garrett, Dilan Markanday and Semir Telalovic ended last term on the fringes and will therefore see these pre-season games as an opportunity to impress.

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