Blackburn Rovers: Tomasson encouraged by Waggott comments

Jon Dahl Tomasson has welcomed Steve Waggott’s comments regarding the likelihood of further arrivals at Ewood Park.

Tomasson previously admitted that the squad is stretched heading into the new campaign and would benefit from an injection of experience following the departures Daniel Ayala and Bradley Dack among others over the summer.

The Rovers boss insists it is important to have healthy competition in the squad as he aims to keep progressing on the pitch.

When asked about Waggott’s comments, Tomasson replied: “It is nice to hear. I think our fans will be happy to hear there will be more players coming into the building.

“I always think you should look at what you have and how you can improve the squad.

“Competition is an extremely important thing because if there is competition in the building, players need to give their maximum effort every day.

“They are great players and they want to do it, but it always helps if there is someone behind you and you need to give your maximum effort every day.”

Thomas Kaminski was the most experienced member of the Rovers squad prior to his Luton transfer.

When asked if he was expecting the Belgian shot stopper to depart this summer, Tomasson added: “I would have rather kept Thomas, to be honest. I want to keep as many players as possible as a head coach.

“But of course, when a Premier League club comes for a player it is understandable that they want to try at a higher level.

“There is an ambition for players, so I understand it fully and I wish him all the best. He is a great lad and has done really well for the club. But that is part of football, players come and players go.”

Swedish goalkeeper Leopold Wahlstedt is expected to join from Odds BK in the coming days despite interest from Danish outfit Brondby.

“When a player goes out, I think it is normal that we bring a player in to strengthen the squad or equal numbers,” Tomasson explained.

“It is great that there is hopefully a goalie coming in, but I have learned in football to never say someone is coming in before they are in the building and everything is signed, so let’s wait for that.”

The Rovers boss also confirmed that Ryan Hedges will be available for the curtain raiser against West Brom.

The Welshman missed last weekend’s 3-2 defeat against Spanish side Girona as a precaution but could feature against the Baggies.

Sam Gallagher misses out after picking up a knock, while Jack Vale and summer signing Arnor Sigurdsson both remain sidelined.

Niall Ennis is available for the West Brom opener, but Tomasson admits it will take time before the former Plymouth man reaches full fitness.

“Sam will not be available,” he stated. “Arnor, with his injury which he had from the Iceland national team, and Jack (Vale) are out.

“Niall is available but we are working on his fitness, so that will take a while.

"It is great to see Ryan Hedges back. He didn’t play against Girona but he will be back.

“It was great to see Adam (Wharton) getting minutes against Stockport. He was knackered!

“He didn’t have a perfect pre-season in that way. There was a period where we didn’t want to take any risks with him, and then he got sick.

“He is back and ready to help the team, but we have to get him at the right levels as quickly as possible because he is a very good player.”

The Rovers boss is eager to get the new season under way against Carlos Corberan’s side, who finished ninth last term.

Tomasson felt there were plenty of positives to take from pre-season but admits it doesn’t come close to the competitive games.

“I’m extremely excited,” he smiled. “You have a break from football and to be honest, I hate it. I want to get started again.

“I know the players, with the spirit and their way of training, they are looking forward to the first game. The fans are looking forward to it. It is nice to train in pre-season but you want to play games.

“I had the chance to see a lot of young players. We brought a lot of 21s into the squad and hopefully one or two can catch my eye so we can add them to our group.

“We had a great game against Girona, playing a team from La Liga at a very high level. I think we did really well. The team is in a very good place at the moment.”

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