Blackburn talking points as Dolan role offers transfer hint

John Eustace's side stepped things up a level to finish their warm-up matches, winning 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Tyrhys Dolan.

Rovers should've been well ahead before that moment, with Makhtar Gueye and Dolan missing presentable chances in the first half. It could've been a more handsome score line but the level of performance was a step up from that produced at Wigan Athletic six days previous.

With the final dress rehearsal out of the way, Rovers' next test will be the real deal against Derby County.

READ MORE: EUSTACE NAMES FOUR ROVERS POSITIONS HE WANTS TO STRENGTHEN

Here's a round-up of the key talking points from Edgeley Park.

Gueye and Ohashi's first outings

Blackburn Rovers fans got to see their new signings for a half each and the first impressions were positive.

We'll start with Gueye, who could've scored with his first two touches in a Rovers shirt. He collected the ball from a Ryan Hedges cutback, set himself but curled the shot just wide.

What is apparent with Gueye is he will be a focal point at the top end of the pitch. He is a big, strong lad, who can tussle with defenders and hold the ball up.

There were a few moments of nice one-touch centre-forward play where he brought his team-mates into the game. I think he is more of the target man style than Gallagher. He perhaps won't have the same athleticism to run the channels but he's a more than capable runner nonetheless.

It's impossible to make sweeping conclusions on 45 minutes of football but I think he might end the season with quite the highlight reel. It looks like he might score some unbelievable goals but perhaps miss a few as well.

He had four presentable chances in 45 minutes, two of which he should've scored. He's clearly going to be box office which is an exciting prospect, especially if he can adapt to English football quickly.

Ohashi was also bright and linked play really well. There were a few one-touch balls around the corner for on-running team-mates that opened Stockport up.

He's a bit of a poacher in the box; his movement is clever and subtle. The reports from his early training sessions are very positive too.

The test for both will be how they adapt to the speed and physicality of the Championship. But on this evidence, there appears to be something to work with for both players.

Control but lacking clinical edge

Rovers gave very little away against Stockport. Aynsley Pears only had one save to make, which was early in the second half from a Will Collar header.

They controlled the tempo of the match far better than against Wigan, for example. They had so many chances in the first half and they will have to be far more clinical in the league.

Gueye was guilty of wasting two particularly good chances, as mentioned, but we'll let him off on debut. Dolan would've been very disappointed to drag a shot wide from 10 yards too, though made amends with his penalty.

What was encouraging was the fluidity in which Rovers played down both flanks. Hedges and Harry Pickering linked up nicely on the left whilst the relationship between Joe Rankin-Costello and Callum Brittain continues to grow.

I was pretty enthused by the display, even if Eustace was reserved in his praise. The head coach holds everything, bar fitness, to little standing in pre-season.

Dolan's new role

In the last two friendlies, Dolan has played in the 'Sam Szmodics' role off the front and looked effective.

With Rovers' star man still likely to leave, the 22-year-old has summed his position behind the striker. It would've been easy for Eustace to move Rankin-Costello inside, play Hedges on the right and Dolan on the left.

But perhaps this is a change of position we'll see often for Dolan. Having spoken to him post-match, that interview to come soon, he said that it's a position he wants to play moving forward.

I've always liked Dolan off the left but will equally concede that Rovers need some electric pace in the team. Dolan is not slow, has good feet and quick acceleration but has not got that lightning sprint speed he once did.

So this could be a good fit. He uses the ball well, is good technically and has quick feet to get out of tight situations. He can score goals and if Rovers can find him in more central positions, those numbers might rise.

If Dolan's in the middle, it perhaps opens the left flank up for a new, speedier winger. Maybe we'll see some of the Szmodics funds invested in that area, rather than a direct replacement in the number 10 role.

Travis and Tronstad partnership

Lewis Travis was at his snarling best against Stockport and it's clear that Sondre Tronstad and him will be the first-choice midfield pairing.

Tronstad's qualities are obvious, he breaks up play and keeps things ticking. His passing from deep areas is impressive. Travis has more energy and can press higher up the pitch, as we saw in a few instances on Friday.

There will be matches where Rovers need a more creative passer, perhaps John Buckley or a new recruit. But as a starting platform to build from, Travis and Tronstad will be reliable, dependable and rock-solid in front of the defence.

It'll then be on the attacking four to make things happen, with Brittain giving the width on the right.

Captaincy to be decided

Travis got the armband on Friday which felt like a signal of intent from Eustace, even if he denied so post-match.

The head coach told The Lancashire Telegraph nothing has been decided yet. The armband has been passed around in pre-season but this was the second time Travis has worn it in succession.

My gut feeling had always been that Hyam would retain the armband after last season but perhaps not. Travis is in pole position as we approach decision time.