Blackburn Rovers signed Ben Brereton from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
Some Blackburn Rovers fans have shared their scepticism on social media site Twitter after manager Tony Mowbray told reporters how he sees ex-Nottingham Forest player Ben Brereton as a wide player.
“While I didn’t mention Ben [Brereton] in that [list of possible striker options], he’s 19 and having watched him in training he’s probably more suited to playing off one of the sides, either left or right, rather than down the middle,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.
“As time moves on that will change I’m sure and Ben sees himself as a centre forward longer term.”
Brereton joined Blackburn from Forest in the summer on an initial loan deal until January, and it has been confirmed by Blackburn CEO Steve Waggott he will sign permanently for £7 million (Lancashire Telegraph).
The 19-year-old made 35 Championship appearances for Forest last season as he led the line for the Reds, but since joining Rovers he has yet to make a league start.
Mowbray admits his side are light on strikers for the visit of Queens Park Rangers and excluded Brereton from his list of possibilities, with supporters miffed by the idea of signing him for a big fee only to play him out wide.
Brereton didn’t arrive from Forest as a prolific goal scorer – he only managed five league goals for the Reds last term. But still, you would think his attributes are better suited to featuring as a focal point through the middle.
Rovers fans have seen how he hasn’t made much of an impact when used as a wide forward, failing to score or assist on his six substitute appearances so far, therefore their confusion is understandable.
Having said that, Mowbray is an excellent judge of character with the bargain buy of Bradley Dack illustrating his eye for talent, so perhaps patience is needed with Brereton having plenty of time on his side to adapt.
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