Blackburn Rovers urged to "reward" ex-Leeds United man this summer - "He's really stepped up" | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers' FLW fan pundit has had his say on the future of one of their recent heroes in their bid to achieve Championship survival...

Blackburn Rovers have six players out of contract this summer, with survival or relegation perhaps dictating where a number of them will end up.

Despite a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Southampton on Tuesday, Rovers had been in much better form of late. Prior to that, they put together two wins and three draws in the five games, easing their relegation fears, although they are still very much in the mix with a handful of matches remaining.

Michael O'Neill's future is up in the air, but he has been able to get plenty out of the squad in his short stint. With games left against Sheffield United and Leicester City, their fate remains in their own hands. However, some individuals have certainly stepped up to win Blackburn valuable points of late.

One such player is Adam Forshaw, scoring only his second goal in eight years when he opened the scoring against Stoke City during their 1-1 draw recently. He, along with five others, is out of contract in June.

Adam Forshaw wants to stay with Blackburn Rovers - they've been told to strike a new deal

We asked FLW's Blackburn fan pundit, Simon Middlehurst, for his thoughts on Forshaw stating to the BBC that he'd love to stay at Blackburn past this summer. We asked if Rovers should offer him a new deal in his eyes.

Simon told FLW: "Yeah, absolutely, Adam Forshaw has become a fan favourite this season.

"He's really stepped up when we've needed him to. We've obviously had a few injuries and he's now become a regular.

"His performances have been really, really good. He's been solid in that midfield and he's really kept that midfield together.

"Absolutely, Blackburn should be making him an offer. You know, even just for his experience? We've got a lot of young lads coming through.

"He may not play as much next season, depending on what happens with the manager and squad-wise, but I definitely think we should keep him.

"Regardless of what league we end up in, too, whether we stay up or go down. He's been a solid player for us this season and I think he should be rewarded with another deal."

Adam Forshaw is a valuable asset to Blackburn Rovers - his experience is key

Forshaw remains one of the Championship’s most underrated and understated midfielders, even if his influence rarely shows up in goals or assists. At his best, he acts as the connective tissue between defence and attack.

He is constantly offering for the ball, linking play and ensuring his side can progress up the pitch with control. His press resistance, awareness in tight areas, and ability to recycle possession make him invaluable to win midfield battles.

His experience at this level is a major asset to a club like Blackburn, particularly for a squad that can benefit from calm heads in midfield.

While he may no longer be a regular scorer like he was in his early days with Brentford in League One, his game has evolved into one centred around tempo-setting and game management.

Blackburn would be wise to retain him this summer. Clubs in the lower and mid-table regions of the Championship would undoubtedly value what he brings, not only as a reliable squad option but also as a strong personality and leader in the dressing room.