Blackburn Rovers have one obvious benefactor from Jon Dahl Tomasson’s defensive headache
Blackburn Rovers are down to the bare bones in defence with Harry Pickering suspended and Jake Batty suffering with a knock
Blackburn Rovers’ squad will be stretched further this week after Harry Pickering’s untimely red card.
The Rovers left-back sent Liam Delap tumbling as last-man and was sent off for his troubles, a career-first. Pickering misjudged the bounce of the ball and brought down the Hull City forward – no complaints
It leaves Jon Dahl Tomasson with a further defensive headache. Rovers haven’t added to their backline yet this summer, though Gregg Broughton told Lancs Live in May they would sign a centre-back.
Initially, it looked like a defender capable of covering left-back would be the preferred option but that shifted to adding experience to the ranks. Danny Batth has always been their preferred target and talks are ongoing with Sunderland.
Therefore, reinforcing the options at left-back has been less of a priority. Tayo Edun, frozen out anyway by Tomasson, was sold to Charlton Athletic earlier this summer
That means Jake Batty is the only recognised cover at left-back but he is only 18. He also missed the game against Hull with a minor knock.
“Of course, we are disappointed to lose a senior player with Harry’s red card,” said Tomasson post-match. “It is a position where we are not well-covered.
“We have young Batty, who is injured. He has just turned 18. Everyone knows we lost experience this summer.”
At Watford, Callum Brittain will be the man called upon to fill in on the opposite side. It’s a role he is played several times before under Tomasson and gives him an opportunity to earn a first Championship start of the season.
Tomasson’s first Rovers signing hasn’t had it easy since moving to the club. He had an injury-hit debut season and returned to find Joe Rankin-Costello in the form is his life. Sod’s law.
He’s been unable to find a route back into the team since, much to his frustration. The bulk of his minutes have come when Rankin-Costello has pushed into midfield.
Brittain offers more offensively than Pickering but perhaps gives less of a balance, being right-footed. He’s also looked less comfortable moving into midfield to receive the ball, as both full-backs often do in build-up.
This is a big opportunity for the 24-year-old, who has been lacking regular minutes to build any momentum in 2023. He’ll be tested against Watford but it’s a chance for him to stake a claim and keep the shirt.
