Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has admitted that the club are unlikely to offer Ben Garratt a permanent contract in the coming weeks.

The goalkeeper is currently without a club after turning down a deal to stay at Crewe Alexandra earlier this summer (via the Lancashire Telegraph).

Brought in by Rovers last week to train alongside coach Ben Benson, Garratt has yet to make a lasting impression on Mowbray.

With two shot-stoppers in the form of Christian Walton and Jayson Leutwiler at his disposal at Ewood Park, the Blackburn boss allowed Andrew Fisher to join Northampton Town on loan last month.

Whilst this decision seemingly paved a way for Garratt to join the club, Mowbray has since revealed that this isn't necessarily the case.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph about the keeper, the 55-year-old said: "He's not at the forefront of my mind that we're going to offer him a big contract in the next week or two, at this moment he's just training and staying fit and keeping his ear to the ground.

[ad_pod ]

"Let's wait and see."

A product of Crewe's youth academy, Garratt racked up 247 appearances during a successful six-year spell at Gresty Road.

Very much a mainstay in The Railywaymen's starting eleven last season, the keeper helped the club secure a 12th place finish in League Two.

The Verdict

If Mowbray does indeed end up closing the door on Garratt, it may turn out to be a wise decision.

Although the shot-stopper unquestionably possesses a wide array of skills, there is no guarantee that he will be good enough to make the step up to the Championship.

Furthermore, when you consider that Walton has started every game for Mowbray's side in the Championship this season, Garratt may be forced to watch on from the sidelines if he joins, which would have a negative impact on his development as a player.

Therefore, the former Crewe man may find it beneficial to move to a club that can guarantee him regular first-team football.