Ryan Hedges hopes Rovers can keep sharing the goals around as they aim to evolve following Sam Szmodics’ exit.

Szmodics carried most of the burden in the final third last term, becoming the club’s first player since Alan Shearer to hit 30 goals in a single campaign.

The Irish international’s move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town was confirmed last week but Hedges insists Rovers still have plenty of quality in attack.

“You can’t score 30-plus goals and not be linked with the Premier League,” said the versatile winger.

“All the lads have his best interests, you want to be playing at the top of your game and the Premier League probably is the pinnacle.

“We are all really grateful for what he has achieved at Blackburn but he is no longer a Blackburn player, so we have got to focus on the squad that is here and keep building.

“I think we have got firepower at the top end of the pitch but taking away 30-odd goals, now it is up to the collective to chip in and keep scoring.

“We have got 12 in three games, it is not a bad return. We just have to stay on it and keep focused.”

Rovers have been in this position before following the departures of Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz.

“When one player leaves, it is an opportunity for someone else,” Hedges continued. “Before it was Arma and Bez stepped up, then Bez left and Szmods stepped up.

“Now it is up to somebody else to step in and fill that void he has left. It is a big void but it doesn’t have to be one player, it can be a collective as well.”

Yuki Ohashi has made a promising start to life in East Lancashire following his move from Japan, scoring three goals in as many games including a timely equaliser at Norwich City.

“He knows where the goal is, that is all you can ask for,” said Hedges. “His work rate is really good, I think all the new signings are probably still finding their feet a little bit.

“Fadz (Kyle McFadzean), Danny (Batth) and Andi (Weimann) haven’t played too many games so the midweek game was great for them all to get minutes.

“Then again (at Norwich), some of them coming on and impacting the game which is what you want from your substitutes.”

There has also been change on the international stage this summer, with Craig Bellamy replacing Rob Page as Wales manager.

Hedges has represented the national team three times at senior level and admits he would love to get back in the squad if he can keep performing well for Rovers in the Championship.

“It is always nice to score goals and have your name out there,” he stated. “New managers obviously have different ways of playing and different personnel so who knows?

“It is always something I have wanted to do. I have only got three caps so I’ve always been wanting to add to it, we will wait and see.”