Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer has insisted that DJ Campbell will be a key player for his side this season, pouring scorn over rumours that he may head for a quick exit from Ewood Park.

Campbell signed a permanent deal with Blackburn on July 1, after making seven appearances on loan with Rovers towards the end of last season.

Bowyer is adamant that any stories claiming Campbell is not part of his plans are well wide of the mark, insisting that he can score goals consistently to aid their promotion push this season.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: "That story was a load of rubbish, I don't know where it came from.

"He arrived on July 1 and by July 14 we were supposedly looking to let him go. He's a player who scored 10 goals in 17 games on loan at Ipswich last season.

"He is someone who can score goals in this division. Why would we be looking to let him go?"

The 31-year-old will be looking to open his Blackburn account on August 4, in the club's opening Championship match against Derby County.