While much of the talk at this time of the season is almost as much about clubs making plans for the summer as it is about the end of season league positions that are still to be decided, it is often forgotten that there are a large number of players facing an uncertain future of their own, with their contracts set to expire at the conclusion of the campaign.

 For some players in that situation, they can at least hope that the performances they have put in this season have done enough to convince the decisions makers at their club, or indeed another, to keep them around for some time longer. For others however, that opportunity to impress has been taken completely out of their hands.

One such player who finds themselves in that situation is Ben Gladwin.

The 26-year-old midfielder hasn’t been seen in a competitive game for Rovers since a Checkatrade Trophy group stage match with Rochdale in November 2017, with a string of knee injuries and other problems restricting Gladwin to the Brockhall treatment room since then.

With last season having being Gladwin’s first for the club, those injuries mean he is remains something of an unknown quantity for Rovers fans – who probably best remembered him for an inexplicable late miss in a 1-1 draw at home to Plymouth in his last league appearance for the club.

Given the amount of time he has spent on the sidelines, and the lack of opportunities he has had at the club, Gladwin may feel that he is owed a chance to prove himself to the club in the form of a new contract.

That however, is something that is hard to see happening.

Aside from the fact that Gladwin has very little second tier experience, his recent injuries mean he has slipped down the Rovers midfield pecking order without being able to do anything about.

In Gladwin’s central midfield role, Lewis Travis and Corry Evans have both performed impressively in the Championship this season; Richie Smallwood remains a willing alternative despite seemingly falling behind Travis in the selection process; Jacob Davenport has yet to get the chance to prove himself after an injury hit first season since joining from Manchester City, and the club may still consider another for on loan Harrison Reed, who has made a big impression during his season long temporary move from Southampton, not to mention looking into other signings they will need to find space and funds for.

All that means that even if Gladwin is to get himself fit and earn a new contract at Ewood Park, it will be difficult to force his way back into contention.

He may not want to admit it, but in this case it may be better for all parties if they cut their losses and go their separate ways.