SAM Allardyce believes that if his young squad continue to build on the abilities shown then an exciting future beckons.

The Rovers boss has long been associated with his knack of rescuing an ageing player's career, but in his first full season with the Lancashire club it'll be remembered for the amount of young players who have been given their chance.

That was further emphasised in last Sunday's win over Aston Villa when 18-year-old Grant Hanley and 20-year-old Amine Linganzi were both given their senior debuts.

"We've had seven players that have played in the first team that are 21 or under who we are going to try to develop into better players than they already are," said Sam.

"Some have played huge parts in this years Premier League programme. Some have had an early taste and hopefully they will all come back next year and do even better than they have done this time.

"That will make us that bit better and that bit stronger in the Premier League."

The Rovers boss feels that the current crop of young players coming through are some of the best he's ever worked with in football.

"I feel slightly fortunate that I've inherited these players," added Sam.

"Obviously Phil Jones, Grant Hanley, Junior Hoilett and Martin Olsson, they are the ones who were already here, they were the ones that were in the Academy and breaking through.

"Amine Linganzi, Steven Nzonzi and Niko Kalinić are the ones that we've gone out and bought.

"That group of players is looking extremely exciting for us and its a huge help for you as a manager to know that young players are developing, they'll have a better bond together, they'll fight that little bit more for each other.

"We've a nice blend of youth and experience, we haven't got too many in the thirty-plus bracket, which is a huge success story for us.

"I didn't expect it to be this good, I didn't expect those players to come through and shine as well as they've shined but they have and that encourages you to go on and try and become better than you already are."