The departure of David Raya to Brentford split opinion.

There were those who felt the 23-year-old Spaniard was worth persevering with, a talented and athletic ‘keeper who could one day become a Premier League regular.

On the other hand, others believed Raya’s mistakes proved too costly last season and a move would suit both parties.

Tony Mowbray always had a new goalkeeper on his radar this summer, with Raya’s exit seeing the number wanted increase from one to two.

While Mowbray revealed Raya had made it clear he was keen to make the move to Griffin Park, it doesn’t seem there was too much resistance from the club.

It appeared they felt they could get better, and in Walton, Mowbray will believe he has.

But this transfer could well be the first real big call Mowbray has made since taking over. It was certainly a gamble in selling Raya without a replacement immediately lined up (Raya was sold some 17 days ago).

Yes there have been big-money additions of Ben Brereton and Sam Gallagher and a host of players brought in across the board, but previous business has focused on adding depth, and competition, to the squad.

But here is a transfer where a player has been brought in as a direct replacement, and believed upgrade, for a previous first-team regular.

On the face of it, there is little to separate them.

Walton and Raya are both 23 with 127 and 130 career appearances respectively. Raya just shades the number of games played in the Championship, 53 to 34.

Walton kept one fewer clean sheet than Raya last season (9) but from seven fewer matches.

While Raya endured difficulties last season, ending the season on the bench, it was far from plain sailing for the former England youth international who spent two months out of the side.

Walton however is only, at least initially, a season-long loan deal while Raya was previously under contract until 2021.

Whether Walton is an upgrade on Raya will only be known in time, but direct comparisons will be made from the off given the current length of his Ewood stay.

Rovers’ search has been fluid, with a number of targets slipping away for a variety of reasons, but highly-rated at Brighton, and with interest from several other Championship clubs, Walton is the man expected to start the season with the No.1 shirt.

Walton alone won't be able to improve Rovers' defensive fortunes. Raya made some eye-catching, showreel saves, but Rovers still shipped 69 goals in 46 games.

That will take a collective effort, but Mowbray will hope Walton can play his part.

Two new recruits will make Rovers' goalkeeping department stronger as a whole, but whether it improves the starting XI is up for debate.

“The modern day goalkeeper has to dominate his area and not just stay on his line and make saves, they have to come and catch things, distribute the ball quickly, be good with their feet.

“I’ve told both goalkeepers that it’s an area we’re looking to strengthen in the summer and create better competition,” Mowbray said after the decision to drop Raya for the final four games of last season.

The memo for Walton to follow is clear.