BLACKBURN Rovers' latest signing Maceo Rigters is aiming to follow in the footsteps of another famous Dutchman after sealing a dream move to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old striker, who signed a four-year deal with Rovers earlier this week following some dazzling displays in the European Under 21s Championships, was discovered by the same amateur club in Holland that launched Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on the road to stardom.

Now the former NAC Breda hit-man, who has been compared to Hasselbaink in his homeland, is hoping to emulate the former Chelsea and Leeds United star by setting the Premiership alight during his debut season in English football.

Like Rigters, Hasselbaink was young and relatively unknown, at least outside of Holland, when he arrived in England a decade ago, but the powerful forward soon wreaked havoc in the Premiership, scoring 168 goals in 368 appearances for Leeds, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Charlton, which made him one of the most prolific marksmen of his generation.

Inspired by those feats, Rigters is now looking to make his own mark with his new club, but he admits he still has plenty to learn before he can dream of being as successful as his fellow countryman.

Referring to the comparisons being made between him and Hasselbaink, Rovers' new recruit said: "He started his career at the same amateur club as me!

"He was also often told he lacked certain skills. I often hear we play the same kind of football and that's nice, but I can only dream of all the clubs he has made appearances for.

"Jimmy Hasselbaink has been the leading scorer in three leagues: Portugal, Spain and England.

"Atlético Madrid were relegated, but he was crowned top scorer of Spain, so it will take some more achievements (from me) for a comparison to be justified.

"Hasselbaink has been an example to me, but I have been watching strikers all my life.

"When I was a kid, my father would tell me to pay attention to the strikers when we were watching TV.

"I always try to learn tricks and techniques from colleagues.

"Glen Salmon (at NAC Breda) has given me valuable advice, and Martijn van Galen, who was with FC Dordrecht and is with TOP Oss this season, has been influential.

"But my father has ultimately had the most impact on my career. He must have seen at least 90 per cent of all the games I have played since I was a young kid. I hugely appreciate that!"

Rigters' stunning goalscoring form for the Dutch Under-21 side at the recent European Champ-ionships was a key factor in his move to the Premiership.

The young striker sparked a scramble for his services when he bagged four goals in five games, which earned him the golden boot and helped Holland win the tournament.

He added: "As a striker in an attacking team, you will always get chances to score. At NAC, I was a left winger in a counter-attacking team.

"There's nothing wrong in that, but I was obviously less frequently found in the opponent's box."

aneild@the-lt.co.uk