GRANT Hanley is determined to follow in Colin Hendry’s footsteps at Blackburn Rovers after being labelled ‘the new Braveheart’ by Ewood Park staff.

The Scotland under 19 captain impressed on his first-team debut for Rovers in their 1-0 win at Aston Villa on the last day of the season and sees himself as a battling centre half in the mould of Hendry and his current boss Sam Allardyce.

Fellow Scot Hendry was known as ‘Braveheart’ as he helped Rovers to the Premiership title in 1995 and Hanley, previously on the books of Rangers and Queen of the South, hopes he will similarly enjoy a successful career at Ewood.

"He's someone I've tried to model my performances on,” said the 18-year-old, who was one of the stars of the Rovers team that reached the FA Youth Cup semi finals during the 2009/10 campaign.

“He was a Braveheart, wasn't he? He liked his tackles and all the rest of it.

"He's someone I looked up to as a centre half.

“I spoke to him once. His boy was at Blackburn for a bit on trial and Colin was in briefly.

“We chatted for a couple of minutes and he gave me some good advice.

"Most people at the club don't wind me up about being the new Hendry apart from the kit woman, Anne-Marie.

"She's been there for years and Colin was her favourite.

"Like him, I see myself as a no-nonsense defender. As a player you need to know what your strengths are.

"My strengths aren't dribbling out with the ball from the back.

"I'm good in the air and I win my tackles and there's no need for me to try things which aren't part of my natural game.

"Allardyce likes no-nonsense defenders. That's a big advantage for me as he was a centre half himself."