Highly-rated goalkeeper Nick Michalski has put pen to paper over his first professional deal at Ewood Park.

The 17-year-old, who has been with Rovers since under-12 level, has signed an initial two-year contract which runs until June 2026.

“It is a very big moment for me," he told RoversTV. “I joined at the age of 12 after getting released from another Academy and this is another step closer to getting where I want to get to.

“It is the biggest moment in your career because it is another step closer to being a professional footballer and a reward for the work you have put in through the years. It has been a special year for me."

He added: "As a first-year scholar, I never thought I would be playing up with the Under-21s or being with the first team at all," he admitted.

“It has been a case of picking up bits from the senior goalkeepers and adding those to your own game. Ayns (Aynsley Pears), Leo (Wahlstedt) and Ben (Benson) are very wise and know what they are doing.

“They are always there to help me, always supportive and are very honest and truthful with me.

“You know you will have someone there to back you and know what you need to do to improve things as they have been in my position before.”

Michalski made his Under-21 debut against Aston Villa last September and has gone on to make a further 11 appearances for Mike Sheron’s side, playing a key role in their strong form of late.

He was named on the bench for the first team fixtures against Millwall and Plymouth earlier this month while Pears was out injured.

The shot stopper also kept a clean sheet in the Lancashire FA Professional Youth Cup final against Bolton Wanderers last week as Rovers lifted the trophy.

Michalski has trained with the senior squad at Rovers throughout the season, serving as understudy to Pears and Wahlstedt in recent weeks following Joe Hilton’s loan move to Macclesfield.

He is also in contention to represent England Under-17s at the European Championship finals in Cyprus this summer.