John Eustace has not ruled out a loan move for Harry Leonard during the January transfer window, but says no decisions have been made.
Blackburn Rovers are looking to buy a number nine in the New Year transfer window, which would leave them with a new arrival, Yuki Ohashi, Makhtar Gueye, and Leonard battling for one spot up front.
The 21-year-old has only played about 10 minutes after returning from injury following a long layoff, but he has appeared regularly for the Under-23s. Rovers have been rightly cautious in protecting him, but it appears that he is finally ready for first-team involvement.
If Rovers sign a forward, Leonard’s loan would be natural, and it was also considered last January. Eustace will assess his status, as well as the arrival of Leo Duru next month and other players on the verge of joining the squad.
“I think we should definitely look into that. “Those on the fringes of the squad require game time,” he stated.
“We want them to return next year and be a part of the football team going forward. We will look into it, and if we get any players in, we may need to make room for them as well. It’s something we need to examine.
“Maybe, I am not going to say specifically that we will be moving Harry on at the moment,” he continued, referring to Leonard.
“He has been training really well; he played for the 23s and will be involved with us again on Saturday. It is critical to preserve Harry and restore him to the heights we know he is capable of, and I believe he is doing so.”
Rovers head to Millwall on Saturday, who are still without a manager following Neil Harris’ abrupt exit. David Livermore, his former assistant, will take over at The Den.
It is a place that is well-known for being difficult to win at, but Rovers have won on their last two occasions.
Eustace anticipates a raucous audience after Harris’ departure, as well as a similar strategy if he remains in command.
“I believe David (Livermore) was Neil Harris’s assistant, so we know the players will be really excited for the game. “He will make them well-prepared. We know he’s a wonderful coach and has been with the team for a long time. It will be a challenging game, but we are looking forward to it.
“If you don’t have the appropriate mindset, you’ll be in problems. Their fans want a specific kind of football, and they don’t care how they win. That is the beauty of Millwall.
“I didn’t particularly enjoy going there (laughs). Every game is unique as a player and coach. You prepare, and the players here understand the league and its challenges.
“They’re extremely effective at home and a difficult team to play against. But we prepared well this week and are ready.”
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