Jack Rodwell is making progress towards breaking in to the first team at Blackburn Rovers following his latest successful outing for the U23's in a match against, Arsenal according to U23's manager Damien Johnson as reported in the Lancashire Telegraph.

Rodwell needs minutes under his belt following his move to Rovers in the summer and even though the match against Arsenal was a frustrating 0-0 draw, Rodwell's performance was one of the high spots.

So is Rodwell close to making the step to the 1st team at Rovers?

We discuss.....

Gary Hutchinson

Yes, eventually he will.

He hasn’t gone there to sit around and watch football, he’s done enough of that already in his career.

If the talent is still there, which there’s no reason to suspect it isn’t, he’ll play.

Soon.

George Dagless

I'd not be surprised.

Think what you like about what happened at Sunderland, he is a talented footballer that still has years left in the game.

If Rovers can keep him fit and get him on form, they've got a very good player on their hands.

Jay Taylor

It is a positive step forward.

Having not played for so long, Jack Rodwell needs game time and to get minutes under his belt if he is to find any sort of form for his new club.

Having had a disaster of a career in recent years, this is a lifeline for Rodwell, and it will take some time but you’d imagine the midfielder will find his way into to the Rovers first team before too long.

George Harbey

There’s no reason why Rodwell can’t break into the first team after being hailed for his ‘top class attitude’

Ritchie Smallwood has found it tough this year and is struggling to make the step up to the Championship after a magnificent season in League One last year, therefore meaning that Rodwell should look to break into the first team and be given a chance to impress, after such a long time away from first team football.