Blackburn Rovers defender Barry Douglas has revealed that parent club Leeds United wanted him to stay at the club rather than join the Championship club on loan this summer. 

The 31-year-old joined the North West club on a season-long loan late on in the summer window.

Douglas was a bit-part player as Leeds secured their return to the Premier League last term but the Scotsman appeared to have fallen down the pecking order, with Leif Davis, Stuart Dallas, and Gjanni Alioski seemingly ahead of him.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, however, the defender has revealed that the Whites wanted him to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place.

He said: "Football is a short career, I’d never rest on my laurels. I could have stayed at Leeds, I was wanted to stay and compete for a place, but I wasn’t guaranteed football.

“I felt the onus was on me to make that decision and that’s the way that I approach things.

“I don’t want to be comfortable, I want to go and challenge myself and that’s how I address things.”

He added: "I was always hopeful of finding the right solution. It wasn’t just about going out there and playing, it had to be the right fit, the right club.

“Thankfully we got there in the end and I’m here now and my full focus is on helping Blackburn compete and try and achieve success.”

Douglas appears to have made a strong impression under Tony Mowbray already, having started Blackburn's last two games.

Amari'i Bell is Rovers other option at left-back but with games coming thick and fast ahead of November's international break, you feel rotation will be key.

Blackburn will be hoping that Douglas can get back to the form he showed for Wolves in the 2017/18 Championship campaign – scoring five goals and adding 14 assists.

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The Verdict

Given the players that were seemingly above him in the pecking order at Elland Road, it's something of a surprise to hear that Leeds wanted him to stay at the club.

You have to credit Douglas for choosing to leave a newly-promoted club in favour of first-team football.

He never quite got back to his best at Leeds but regular minutes back in the Championship may be just what he needs.