Tony Mowbray has challenged Craig Conway to provide more goals and assists in a Rovers shirt.

And the boss says if the 33-year-old answers the call then he boosts his chances of starting on a regularly basis.

Conway was restricted to 28 appearances last season, partly due to injury, and scored just two goals.

He signed a new one year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, to extend his stay at Ewood Park in to a fifth season.

The Scot, who joined from Cardiff in January 2014, scored seven times in Rovers’ last Championship games and featured in all but two of the 15 games Mowbray took charge of that season.

Mowbray likes the workmanlike qualities of Conway, who is also a popular figure in the dressing room.

And the boss said: “An hour of Craig Conway running up and down, working hard - particularly away at some of the bigger teams in the league - will at times be a better option than those flying wingers

“His experience can really help the team as we move forward.

“I know Craig can work hard, be disciplined and organised, but I’ve challenged him to create and score more goals.

“If he does that then that boosts his chances of being in the team week in, week out next season.”

Conway missed the opening two weeks of last season with a hamstring injury and finished it with a foot injury.

He is expected to be fully fit for when Rovers return to first-team training next Sunday ahead of their week-long training camp in Austria.

Conway joined Danny Graham in penning a contract extension this week in a boost to Mowbray’s plans ahead of the upcoming Championship season.

On why he chose to offer the wide-man a new deal, Mowbray said: “The main thing with Craig, aside from his footballing ability, is the type of character he is.

“He wasn’t a starter every game last season and did have to sit on the bench at times.

“He dealt with that impeccably and worked so hard to force his way into the side. He’s a great example to others.

“He knows he needs to work so hard, but this season will be tougher for the team. Craig’s work ethic, understanding of the game and his tenacity is a big plus for us.”