Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has challenged winger Harry Chapman to keep his place in the side's first team when other injured players start to return to action. 

Chapman has come off the bench for Rovers in their last two league games against Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest due to the club having several first team players out injured.

Despite impressing for the under-23s this term, Chapman had to be patient for his first start for the senior side which came on the 29th December against Huddersfield Town.

Midfield duo Lewis Holtby and Bradley Dack have both been absent from the first team recently due to injuries, but boss Tony Mowbray has laid down a challenge for the 22-year-old to stay in the first team picture for when those players return.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray said: "I think initially it’s because of the numbers we’ve got but it’s an opportunity for him to try and do enough to make sure that as people come back he stays on the bench."

"It’s down to him really. I thought he did alright. We need end product from our wide players," Mowbray added, "However good you look, you need to put the stats on the paper, goals, assists, chances created, shots at goal, that’s what we need to see from our attacking players."

Chapman didn't manage a goal or assist in either of his two appearances, but could feature this weekend when Rovers take on Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Saturday and Mowbray will be certainly looking for more from the winger as the season progresses.

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The Verdict

It is great that Mowbray is showing faith in the younger player's in his squad and clearly wants them to make their mark on the first team.

It will no doubt be a challenge for Chapman to keep his place in the squad ahead of more established first team players, but should he put a good run together in their absence there will be no reason for him to be dropped.

Mowbray clearly demands a lot of his players and has also challenged Chapman to improve on his end product.

Should the winger manage to chip in with a couple of assists and even some goals over the coming weeks he may end up keeping his place.