John Eustace insists Blackburn Rovers can't rush Harry Leonard or Zak Gilsenan as they continue their recoveries from injury.

Leonard has been back in first-team training for a month with Rovers and made his first-team return as a late substitute against Stoke City last week.

That was his first taste of senior football since January after two long-term injuries. Eustace has been cautious of throwing the young striker in too early despite Rovers' lack of goals.

Instead, he's been used in the Under-23s to build that match sharpness. It will be the same plan for Gilsenan, who returns to training this week after two thigh problems.

READ MORE: ROVERS' STANCE ON JANUARY RECALLS

"Zak has had some very difficult moments. He's just coming back this week to join in with the 23s. He's had a terrible time with injuries," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.

"It is important we don't rush him back into a first-team environment before he is ready. He's another very exciting player and we hope he can get the next few months injury-free and we can keep him fit."

"I think it's important we don't push Harry too early, we know he can score goals," he reiterated on Leonard.

"He has done that throughout the levels. He was back for pre-season, got injured, but he's back now and looks sharp.

"He is still short of match fitness and that's why he is playing a lot for the 23s at the moment. As long as we can keep him fit, he will be better for it throughout the season.

"It is a big plus for us. His goal-scoring record throughout the youth system and the 23s is there for everyone to see. He scored goals in the Championship in his first season at the level.

"He is a young player that has come through the Academy. Everyone loves it when a player comes through the ranks. We want him to do well.

"He is very hungry to get going again but there has to be a balance. We can't ask him to come in and score lots of goals straight away because the match sharpness just isn't there yet.

"We will ask him to come in and do a job when we can and, hopefully, he starts putting the ball in the net for us."