CONNOR Mahoney is determined to continue to impress for Blackburn Rovers Under-21s in an effort to force his way into Gary Bowyer’s first-team plans.

The 18-year-old produced a dazzling wing display in Monday night’s 3-0 U21 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Ewood Park.

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That came on the back of four goals in his previous two appearances for Damien Johnson’s development side.

Mahoney’s double strikes against Barrow AFC and West Ham United led to him being included in the senior Rovers matchday squads for their last three Championship clashes.

The England youth international did not make it on to the substitutes’ bench, however, which means his only first-team appearance remains his cameo in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester City in January, 2014.

Mahoney, who became the third youngest player to represent Rovers when coming on at the Etihad Stadium, said: “I feel like I’ve had a few good games and I’ve just got to keep pushing.

“The gaffer will hopefully give me a chance soon, you never know, so I’ve just got to keep knocking on his door, keep doing what I’m doing.”

Mahoney was not awarded a squad number at the start of the season. He has, however, since been handed the number 28 shirt.

He said: “I was a bit upset I lost it but these things happen in football.

“You’ve got to keep working hard and you’ll get your rewards, and I’m pleased the gaffer has given me my squad number back.”

Blackburn-born Mahoney is a lifelong Rovers fan and admits his first competitive goals at Ewood in the 4-3 U21s Premier League victory over West Ham last month, were special.

He said: “They were my first goals at Ewood and being a Blackburn lad, it’s something all lads want to do.

“I just want to carry on doing that and hopefully I’ll be able to do that for the first team soon.”

Mahoney was not on the scoresheet against Brighton on Monday but he did set up Anton Forrester to complete the scoring.

“It was the best we’ve played this season,” said Mahoney.

“We had a good start against West Ham as well but on Monday we took the chances we created and I think 3-0 was a correct scoreline.

“It’s always good to score.

“I scored two on my last appearance, but if I can’t score, I like to assist, and that’s what I did for my mate Anton, so I’m happy about that.”