ROVERS full-back Derrick Williams will use a return to his former club as motivation to grab another three points this afternoon.

The 23-year-old faces Bristol City eight weeks after leaving Ashton Gate to sign a three-year deal at Ewood Park.

Since the switch he’s made the Rovers left-back berth his own and become one of Owen Coyle’s most dependable starters.

But he’s not happy to settle for being a solid defender and wants to add attacking flair, and more link-up play with Craig Conway, to his game.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Williams spent three successful seasons with the Robins, helping them to promotion out of League One and also tasting Wembley glory in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

But he says he had no hesitation when Coyle came calling in August and plans on enjoying himself at his old stamping ground this afternoon.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to it, seeing a few faces but more importantly getting a good result.

“I had a great three years there. I first went as a 20-year-old and made my league debut for the club, and I had a great time.

“They are great fans and a really good city.

“But it’s not difficult for me personally going back to old club.

“I’ve got a lot to prove so I use it as motivation. As soon as moved here that was the first fixture I looked at and I can’t wait to get out there”

Coyle is pleased with Williams’ performances so far, saying: “He’s been of tremendous value to us because he’s brought a great balance on the left side, he’s decent in the air and he’s a very good defender.”

But the man himself insists there's plenty of room for improvement and is itching to become more of an attacking outlet for Rovers, linking up with winger Conway in front of him.

“I think defensively I’ve been solid enough, but getting forward I can add a lot more crosses and I want to retain possession a bit better,” he said. “Overall I’m happy, but I always want to improve.

“Craig’s a quality player and very experienced. He makes it easy to play with him - you know you can give him the ball and he’s not going to lose it.

“I’m just trying to build that relationship between us where I can get the ball and get around him, and I think it’s working pretty well so far.”

Williams fell out of favour at Ashton Gate when Lee Johnson was appointed manager in February, playing only once under the new boss.

So he says the decision to switch was easy, and the welcome he's received in East Lancashire has made the transition a smooth one.

He explained: “I wanted to play football and as soon as I heard Blackburn Rovers were interested in me I said, ‘Get me down there!’.

“It’s a massive club and I knew I wanted to play here.

“I don’t feel like the new boy - I feel like I’ve been here for a while just because the lads made me feel so welcome.

“They’re a good bunch, and the manager and the fans also made me feel welcome."

After picking up four points from their last two games, Williams is confident Rovers can push themselves further up the table.

“With the squad we’ve got, the players here, we should be in the top half easily," he said.

“I think after the bad start we’re making amends and it was just hard to get the momentum after that.

“We’re putting it right now and we need a few more wins to get up that table.

“Every game that we play together I think we’re getting better.

“We’re getting to know each other a lot more, we know what certain players do and where they go.

“We’re still new playing together, but hopefully if we get a good result then we get that momentum going and we can go again."