Blackburn Rovers have struggled in the Championship this season, as they sit just just one-point above the relegation zone, but last weekend's surprise victory over league leaders Newcastle United has provided the Lancashire outfit with a timely boost.

Rovers will now be looking to push on following that victory to consolidate their position in the second-tier of English football for another season, and allow the club to prepare for a potential promotion push in the coming years.

To do that, the January transfer window needs to be a busy period for the Riversiders and offloading players will be as crucial as bringing them in, as Blackburn battle with financial stability and need to cut costs where they can.

Fortunately, in an underperforming side like Blackburn's there is plenty of scope to improve the squad and we've identified two players who definitely need to be pushed out of the exit door in the New Year.

Elliott Bennett

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The 27-year-old only arrived at the club in January but has struggled to find his feet at Ewood Park, making just 17 appearances since - with only four of those coming in the Championship this season, as his other opportunities this term have come in the EFL Trophy.

It's clear that Bennett is surplus to requirements for Rovers and a drop-down in divisions could be good for the former Norwich City man, as he looks to establish himself as a first-team regular- something he has not been able to do for years.

His best spell came at Brighton between 2009-2011, where he made 88 appearances, but since then he's never quite found his home and another move is necessary in the New Year.

Jason Lowe

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The 25-year-old has been a regular feature in Blackburn's first-team this season but question marks remain about his suitability to the squad, as he hasn't found the net in twenty first-team appearances this term.

A long-server for the club, offloading a sentimental player like Lowe may have it's issues but Blackburn could do with an upgrade if their ambition of climbing the Championship standings and challenging for promotion in the future is genuine.

Lowe could be a star for a League One side and a sale would be a good route to go down, as it allows Blackburn the chance to bring in a top-class first-team midfielder.