John Eustace is determined not to rush Harry Leonard's recovery as the Blackburn Rovers striker continues his push for full fitness.

The striker has not played competitively for the first team under Eustace after suffering back-to-back injuries. The 20-year-old fractured his back in February which ruled him out for the season.

He then got himself fit and raring to go for pre-season, only to dislocate his shoulder on the training pitch. That was a really blow for the forward.

However, he's been back in first-team training for several weeks and has featured twice for the Under-21s. He completed 45 minutes in his first outing before raising that to 75 on Friday night in a 3-2 win over Leicester City.

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Eustace again reiterated the need for patience but is excited to work with the striker when they feel he is ready.

"Harry has been working very hard. He's building himself up the Under-21s," Eustace said.

"He's progressing nicely. We have to remember that he's been out for six or seven months really. I haven't actually seen him play live either since I've been at the club.

"I know he's a really exciting young talent and I can't wait for him to get back to full fitness.

"Coming in when I did, I was very excited to be working with an exciting, young talented striker. He's one of our own and I know he'll make a big difference when he's back and fully fit.

"We've had to protect him. It was a freakish injury in pre-season which was a huge shame for the lad. But the attitude he has shown throughout this period has been very focused. He's determined to get back.

"That's something I have been very impressed with. We want as many goal-scorers as possible, that's how you win games.

"Harry has done that in the younger age groups. He's played in the first-team during the last 18 months and done well. I'm excited to work with him when he's fully fit."