Top of the league and firmly in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot, Blackburn Rovers appear to be edging towards ending their Championship exile after just a single year away from the division.

Manager Tony Mowbray began the season slowly, but following an excellent run of results, Rovers are now mixing it with Wigan Athletic and Shrewsbury Town at the top of the division.

Their stands a mammoth task between the Ewood Park side and promotion, with Shrewsbury biting at their heels and Wigan looking dangerous with three games in hand, and Mowbray will know that his side cannot rely upon slip ups from their opponents between now and the end of the season.

Spending well in the summer, Mowbray will hope to repeat his antics again when the transfer reopens, and wherever the club find themselves playing their football in August, improvements are needed across the squad.

These could be the first of many changes in the north west in the coming months…

The 23-year-old has struggled for game time amidst fierce competition at Ewood Park this season, and could become a casualty of promotion if Mowbray does in fact guide his side towards the second tier.

The Irishman is a solid defender with the ability to play in midfield, but the form of his teammates has restricted the youngster to a bit-part role, and he himself will surely have grown frustrated at a lack of opportunities.

There is potential in the player, so perhaps a loan move next summer to prove his worth will aid his development, but the player is at risk of being moved on should Rovers go up.

Armstrong may be tied down to Newcastle United until 2020, but with the path to the first team looking extremely busy at St James’ Park, Mowbray will surely consider a bid to bring the 21-year-old to Ewood Park on a permanent basis in the summer.

Scoring goals for fun since arriving in January, Armstrong looks the real deal, and Mowbray will be very impressed by the impact the youngster has had following his arrival.

Taking to League One with ease, Armstrong is a natural goal scorer whose progression will accelerate under the tutelage of the experienced boss, and the striker should return to the Magpies deadly with half a season with the promotion chasing Rovers under his belt.

Perhaps another loan deal will have to suffice next year if Rafa Benitez doesn’t want to lose the player, but a permanent deal would land Mowbray one of the hottest young strikes in English football.

Bradley Dack has performed exceptionally playing as the man off the main striker, but Rovers could do with a little more creativity in the middle and on the flanks to compliment the ability of the former Gillingham man.

Walsall’s Erhun Oztumer is set to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires, and Blackburn must ensure they are at the front of the queue to secure the player’s signature.

Having impressed for several seasons, the London-born star has proven his ability to score and assist for fun, and the 26-year-old certainly looks destined for the Championship.

If Rovers can provide second tier football next term, then they have a good a chance as any to convince the talented player that his future lies in the north west at Ewood Park.

Blackburn fans, thoughts?