Blackburn Rovers' 'clear vision' as transfer decisions are made
The head coach has spent pre-season assessing which Academy talents might be ready to make the step up. Nick Michalski, Kristi Montgomery and Igor Tyjon are all now considered as first-team players with Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews also catching the eye.
As the end of the transfer window draws closer, Rovers have decisions to make on which players would be better served continuing their development elsewhere.
Charlie Olson joined Oldham Athletic this week and more deals could be in the pipeline. Leonard has not featured in any of the pre-season fixtures and hasn't been part of any squads.
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As a result, he is likely to be loaned out before September 1, whilst Batty too might search for regular football after spending last season with Accrington Stanley.
"Yes, I think that through the pre-season, we had a clear overview of all the academy boys," Ismael told The Lancashire Telegraph when asked about those players.
"They got the chance to play, to show up. Now we have a clear vision and a clear opinion on everyone.
"The players, we think they need more time to play. They will go out on loan. The others, we think we have to push them.
"They will stay with us, to train with us and at least to play with the Under-21s. So now, all the decisions are made. It's all about what is the best option for those players.
Ismael handed full debuts to Michalski and Tyjon on Tuesday night against Bradford City. It was a tough evening for some and a learning curve about the brutality of first-team football.
The Frenchman insists that players need time to grow but their true quality must be shown on the pitch.
"I just tell them that at some point, the pitch always tells the truth," he explained.
"We can speak about talent and a high-rated player, and think about the future. They are good players, but the reality is on the pitch.
"They just to learn, to understand what's going on, and when you have to perform, you have to perform at the right time."
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