'Big decisions are on the horizon for Blackburn'

[Getty Images] When you're drawn away in the first round of the EFL Cup against lower-league opposition, the two most important things are to come home with a victory and without injury. Blackburn Rovers did both. This was never going to be a straightforward task for Rovers, but they could and should have made it easier for themselves. When the match stats show 27 attempts at the Burton goal and 41 touches inside the opposition penalty area, the fact that it took until the 81st minute to level the tie will be a legitimate concern for Tony Mowbray. In fact, despite their dominance, both keepers were forced into the same number of saves, totalling five. Falling behind to a set-piece goal has been a problem in the past and was again. It was a scruffy goal to concede, where they just couldn't defend the second ball. Zac Scutt was left all on his own to convert from close range. Close-range headers from Yuki Ohashi and Dapo Afolayan from excellent right-wing deliveries flew over the bar, Todd Cantwell missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and other less straightforward attempts failed to register in the first half. It was clear post-match that the head coach was less than impressed. "We should have scored four or five goals in the first half, not could have. Should have, really. They're too much of guilt-edged chances for them not to score, I feel," Mowbray said. It's that lack of a clinical edge that concerns Mowbray most as he begins his second spell in charge. During his first stint at Ewood Park, he could call on players such as Bradley Dack at his best, a rapid Adam Armstrong, a teenage Harvey Elliott, a seasoned focal point like Danny Graham with a set-piece specialist Charlie Mulgrew to create opportunities. This squad is different. There is talent there, without doubt, but Mowbray remains convinced he needs more. It's a message he has made clear to the club's owners, Venky's, in recent days. Mowbray said: "I'm greedy for good players, as I keep saying to Rudy (Gestede, head of football operations). It doesn't matter to me where they come from or what age they are. I want to see personality on the pitch, players who are desperate to win and be really good at what they do on the pitch." This cup tie was won by the introduction from the bench of substitutes Andri Gudjohnsen and Jayden Fevrier. The latter scored on his competitive debut with a trademark check inside from the right onto his favoured left foot to curl home an excellent winner. If Mowbray gets his wish, there could be more new faces in the building before Friday's trip to Wolves. Sam Morsy appears the most likely arrival. Even at this stage of his career, he would bring leadership, grit and experience to the squad. Alan Browne is another name doing the rounds. If Rovers can get that deal done on loan, he would look a very useful addition too. The flip side, of course, is that arrivals will mean departures, or at least some difficult conversations. Bring in another two or three players and the squad starts to look overcrowded. When September arrives and the 25-man squad has to be finalised, some players are going to miss out. Big decisions are on the horizon. Latest Blackburn Rovers news, analysis and fan views