Tony Mowbray admits Elliott Bennett’s positive test for coronavirus ‘shook a few of the players up’ with the captain now unable to train with the group until next Friday.

Bennett revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19 when the EFL released data from the second round of testing by clubs on Monday. He had previously returned a negative test allowing him to return to training with the group.

The 31-year-old said the result took him by surprise, not least because he wasn’t showing any symptoms, and had even returned his best fitness results in his four years at the club earlier in the day.

Rovers have been training in groups of five since returning to Brockhall this week, with 27 players and 17 members of staff having been tested. The four players that trained alongside Bennett, Charlie Mulgrew, Danny Graham, Bradley Johnson and Christian Walton were tested again after news of Bennett’s positive test came to light, but remained negative.

“Elliott getting a positive test has shook a few of the players up," Mowbray said.

“The situation regarding Elliott was disappointing for him, but it’s disappointing for us all.

“The players who were training in Elliott’s group have all had further tests and they’ve come back as negative.

“Elliott Bennett’s a model professional, really conscientious, a hard-working kid, and a family man.

“He’s taken every precaution, as everyone has, and it was a surprise when he was pulled off the training pitch and told he had a positive test.

“He has no symptoms and he’s fine, but he’ll self-isolate and should be back training for us after his self-isolation.”

Rovers are expected to resume contact training in the following days, though no mention of that was made in the latest EFL update provided on Friday.

“I think we should all have caution,” Mowbray told the club website.

"When players are allowed contact, their natural enthusiasm will take over and they’ll get wrapped up in the training.”