FROM the moment he arrived at Rovers Joe Nuttall insists he knew it was the club he wanted to commit his long-term future to.

Nuttall found his feet immediately at the club having arrived last summer, making his name in the Under-23s before progressing to the first-team ranks.

And that progression has now been rewarded with the 20-year-old signing a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Five goals at senior level followed 12 for Damien Johnson’s side and he credits the Under-23 boss, and coach David Dunn, with aiding his development.

Nuttall said: “I’m over the moon to be joining such a big club for the next few years.

“From my first day the way I was treated by the staff and the players, they were so welcoming and I knew straight away this is where I wanted to be.

“Any player has to believe in themselves so I knew I could do it, it was just about getting a chance and the staff here gave me that and I can’t thank them enough.

“It was great to work with them (Johnson and Dunn), they put a great deal of work in with the Under-23s every day.

“I still do a lot of work with them now so that shows the effort they’re willing to put in to help young players to develop.

“Hopefully I can develop more as a player and kick on.

“I’ve settled into this club very well and am looking to be here for long as I can hopefully.”

Nuttall scored on his Checkatrade Trophy, Football League and FA Cup debuts for Rovers and made his first league start in the win at Bury on November 18.

He has had to be patient at yet but said he is still learning his trade and believes he is benefitting from working alongside the likes of Danny Graham.

“I have got to do my best and even if that’s not getting me in the team then it’s pushing the other strikers to do better. For me at the minute that’s enough so the team can get the results we need,” he said.

“We’ve got youth, experience of Danny Graham who is unbelievable to work with.

“The knowledge he’s got and what he can share with everyone is unbelievable and I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far and am looking forward to working with him in the future.”

Nuttall is the latest Rovers youngster to agree an extended deal, and added: “The manager is building a team of players for the way he wants to play and get us out of this division. I just want to be a part of that and see how far I can go.”