Blackburn Rovers’ new signing Ben Brereton has revealed he wants to get back to playing regularly after sealing an exit from Nottingham Forest.

The 19-year-old agreed on a loan deal with an obligation to make the move permanent in January for a fee believed to be worth around £7million.

After an influx of new additions at the City Ground, Brereton found himself down the pecking order under Aitor Karanka.

The striker managed 39 games for Nottingham Forest last term, scoring six goals but found his first-team opportunities limited with Lewis Grabban, Daryl Murphy and Hillal Soudani all ahead of him this term.

Brereton made his Rovers debut in the 4-1 defeat away to Bristol Rovers last time out, playing 34 minutes at Ashton Gate.

And having made his debut, the forward is looking forward to getting a run of games in the first team, something that looked unlikely had he stayed at the City Ground.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Brereton said: “I’m here to play games, I am just taking it step-by-step.

“I just want to play games, play football, that’s the key. The opportunity was one that excited me.

“Wherever the manager wants me to play I will try and do my best and do a job,” he said. “It would be a privilege to start in this team.

“The gaffer will pick who he thinks should play but to play games and contribute to the team is vital for me.

“Hopefully I can help the team out wherever I play.

“The manager has been saying to come in and do well, get involved with the lads and help in what can hopefully be a good season for us.”

The Verdict

You have to admire Ben Brereton moving to get first-team football when he could have easily have stayed where he was and earned his money to play for the U23s.

At 19-years-old, first team football is vital for the development of the player and playing regularly; the striker will benefit from this.

If Aitor Karanka wanted to keep the forward, he would have played him regardless of his 16 signings this summer.

With a path the Nottingham Forest first team blocked, the obvious things was to find game time elsewhere, and Brereton has done exactly that. 

Hopefully, this move works out for him, and he goes on to excel at Ewood Park.