'It's good to be able to use the academy' - Ismael
- Published
Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael says he is relieved to have the club's academy players ready to step into the first team.
Defender George Pratt made his debut in last Friday's 2-1 derby win at Preston having been recalled from a loan spell with Chorley of the National League North.
That followed a debut for teenage goalkeeper Nicholas Michalski earlier this season, while midfielder Kristi Montgomery was handed a first start under Ismael towards the end of last season.
"Before I signed here it was about creating a pathway for the young players - we have made it already with Michalski, Montgomery and now with George Pratt which is good," the Rovers head coach told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"It's a message to everyone at the club that if you're ready to perform, able to give what we want to see on the pitch you will get the chance - if you have a lot of players injured you are going to need your academy and at the minute it's good to have that possibility."
Blackburn have been dealt an injury blow ahead of Wednesday's home game with QPR (19:45 GMT) with midfielder Sondre Tronstad out for two weeks.
"He has a problem with his ankle. It was really swollen after the game (against Preston)," said Ismael.
"Taylor Gardner-Hickman will come back from suspension to replace him in the squad. It's frustrating because we can't get the consistency for the players to play in the same line-up."