The Blackburn Rovers youngsters who will be eyeing a breakthrough season in 22/23

Blackburn Rovers have been served well by a number of their academy graduates during the 2021/22 season.

The likes of Lewis Travis, Scott Wharton, John Buckley, Ryan Nyambe and Darragh Lenihan have all played key roles for Tony Mowbray’s side in their push for promotion from the Championship this season.

Indeed, Blackburn have now had at least one academy graduate in their matchday squad in each of their last 585 matches, highlighting the influence that an emphasis on youth has had for the club.

Excitingly for Rovers, they also have a number of talents coming through their current youth ranks, who have the potential to ensure that run continues for some time to come yet.

One of those who could do that, is striker Jack Vale. The Wales Under 21 international has already made two first-team appearances for Blackburn, and will be looking to add to that sooner rather than later.

Having also got senior game time out on loan in non-league, and with seven goals in just six league games for Rovers’ Under 23s this season, the 21-year-old has arguably sent out something of a message to thise at Ewood Park, especially with the goalscoring struggles the first-team have endured recently.

Another goalscoring prospect that it will be hard for Blackburn fans not to get somewhat excited about, is Harry Leonard.

With 12 goals in 12 league games for Rovers at Under 18 level this season, the attacker is another the Ewood Park hierarchy could be identifying for a first-team role in the future.

Rovers have moved quickly to ensure that is with them, with the 18-year-old signing a contract with the club until the summer of 2025 back in December.

Elsewhere, Adam Wharton is another that many Rovers supporters will be keen to keep an eye on, not