The Socceroos midfielder was given 45 minutes action by manager Sam Allardyce as the Lancashire outfit won comfortably.

Grella was partnered in the centre of midfield by Keith Andrews and it was the latter who opened the scoring with a free-kick.

Jason Roberts struck twice for Rovers with El Hadj Diouf also on target.

Elsewhere, Michael Theoklitos' Norwich City opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Scottish outfit Raith but Theo wasn't included.

Norwich did feature former Leeds United and Sydney FC striker Michael Bridges who is on trial with the club.