JOE Rankin-Costello is pushing on to beat the projections for his harm return – as talks over his long-term future proceed.
A fractured metatarsal ended Rankin-Costello’s season in April and Tony Mowbray wasn’t anticipating to see the 21-year-old again in motion till the center of pre-season.
Rankin-Costello himself nevertheless is known to be eyeing involvement from the primary day Rovers return to coaching on the finish of subsequent month as he bids to place his harm frustrations behind him.
Two different absences from hamstring points restricted him to 16 appearances, however they had been all begins, Rankin-Costello having emerged as a constant member of the facet underneath Mowbray, taking part in in a wide range of positions.
Rovers have secured his future for not less than one other 12 months, the Academy graduate having had the choice in his contract taken up, with the membership assured of securing an extended extension for one among their brightest children.
He will hope that may coincide with an upturn in fortunes on the health entrance, with accidents in opposition to Derby County in September and Luton Town in November bringing disruption to his season.
Rankin-Costello was chosen forward of Ryan Nyambe at proper again when match, the Namibia worldwide additionally in the same place together with his contract, albeit will be capable to stroll away from the membership for nothing subsequent summer time owing to his age.
There is the prospect of them taking part in in the identical crew collectively, Rankin-Costello having demonstrated his potential to play on the left facet of the pitch, in defensive or attacking positions, in addition to central midfield.
It is that versatility that may see him stay a key fixture within the facet, as long as he can keep his health.
Rovers had a contract breakthrough earlier this week, with Scott Wharton penning a three-year extension to his contract, following John Buckley and Tyrhys Dolan in signing long-term offers this 12 months, whereas Bradley Johnson additionally signed up for an additional 12 months.
However, Harry Chapman’s future stays up within the air, because the supply of a brand new deal stays unsigned, whereas Elliott Bennett can be set to depart Ewood Park except a brand new deal may be struck.
Rovers are additionally aiming to make one final push to try to get Adam Armstrong to signal an prolonged contract, his present deal as a result of expire subsequent summer time, which is able to probably pressure the membership right into a sale given the influence of that on his market worth.
There is the same case with Joe Rothwell because the midfielder, who joined Rovers in 2018 after working down his deal at Oxford United, seems to be to be doing the identical at Ewood Park, with no motion on his contractual scenario as but.
Mowbray has predicted a giant season forward for the 26-year-old, who made 42 appearances in 2020/21, however there stays the prospect of Rovers listening to affords for the previous Manchester United midfielder ought to one be forthcoming through the switch window.
