Blackburn Rovers manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, is focusing on integrating academy players into the first team. This strategy is viewed as a key element for the club's future success. The article highlights the recent appearances of players like Ismael and Tyjon, emphasizing that these decisions are 'for the future' and part of a broader plan to develop young talent.
Tomasson explains that integrating young players is a calculated risk, requiring assessment of their abilities and potential. Igor Montgomery's recent performance is cited as an example, showcasing the manager's commitment to giving promising youngsters opportunities. This strategy, according to Tomasson, involves creating a clear pathway for academy players to progress to the senior squad.
The article also touches upon the improved team consistency in recent matches. Tomasson attributes this to a more stable team selection, facilitating better cohesion and performance. He acknowledges the significant impact of returning players from injury, contrasting the current situation with the earlier instability caused by player absences.
Tomasson's long-term vision involves continuing to nurture young talent. While not every academy player will immediately break into the first team, those who consistently show promise will receive opportunities. This approach points to a future where academy graduates form a significant part of the Blackburn Rovers squad.
Ismael handed Montgomery his Championship debut and brought the defender on after an hour at Sunderland despite his red card at Luton Town.
Tyjon has been in two of the last three matchday squads and was preferred to Amario Cozier-Duberry on Monday. He came on for the final 10 minutes for his second league appearance.
Ismael says these are 'decisions for the future' with both players set to challenge for first-team places in pre-season.
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"It was the decision for Igor, not against Amario," Ismael told The Lancashire Telegraph.
"Sometimes, at some point, we have to make decisions for the future, for the next season. As I said, I want to assess all the players since I came in.
"Igor is in the pool of the top talent for the club. My job is to assess him, to see how he's doing on the pitch. Today he got the opportunity to show up and give us the feeling to assess him.
"This is what I spoke about when I came, we want to create a pathway for the young players. As a manager you have to show character and bravery as well with the young players, to give that confidence.
" If you give that confidence they are able to put on the performance. Again, it was a difficult away game, Sunderland is in the top six since day one this season, a very strong team, will play the play-offs, so you have to deal with that pressure and we did it well.
"I won't let play every academy player now but I think these are the two guys now, the guys who are really close to us.
"So, for sure, now they made the first step. So, for sure, they will make the pre-season with us.
"Then we go from there. If next season another one is able to step up, then if the time is right, then we will give him the chance."
Rovers' three-game winning run has been built from better consistency in selection. In the last three games, they have only made one change, two enforced by suspension and illness.
"It's been consistency. They train, they play together. We get that consistency now," Ismael continued.
"A few weeks ago, it looked completely different. After every game, we lost a player and now it's changed. We can really focus on the next game to give the players the recovery they need.
"They've got a strong basis with what we worked on for the last six weeks. Now, you see, when we can get all the players on the same level, that consistency, then the performance will be better.
"I told you how important the players are. But as I say, you saw last week, Callum Brittain came back after a seven-week injury. He made a big difference.
When you think we're still missing Augustus Karbo, Emmanuel Dennis, Andi Weimann, Hayden Carter and Owen Beck. So I think for us, it's five regular starters, actually. So it's massive.
"At least the key players now perform on a high level. If you're missing too many key players at some point, you will feel it."
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