RYAN Nyambe says he is looking to reward Rovers’ faith in him after penning a new long-term contract with the club.

Nyambe has signed a new three year contract, with the option for a further 12 months, and is now looking to keep progressing at Ewood Park.

The 19-year-old has established himself in the Rovers first-team after making his debut in the EFL Cup tie at Leeds in September 2016.

He has since gone on to make 29 appearances, including all 15 in which head coach Tony Mowbray has taken charge.

And the full-back said: “I can’t wait for the new season to start and to learn more. This new contract means a lot to me because I’ve been here for a very long time and I just want to pay the club back for what they’ve done for me.”

Rovers were keen to reward Nyambe for his progression through the ranks with the right back having joined the Academy at the age of 13 after moving to England from Namibia three years earlier.

Nyambe signed his first professional deal with Rovers in 2015, having helped the Under-21s reach the Premier League Cup final, with that contract set to expire in 2018.

“More will be expected of me, because of what I experienced last season, so I will be expected to do better than I did last season because of how much I’ve learnt,” Nyambe told the club’s official website.

“He (Mowbray) is a very good manager. He’s always talking to me and helping me every single day. Even during games, I can hear him shouting at me and telling me what to do and I listen to him and it really helps.

“I’ve got a lot more to learn. I just need to get my head down, work hard and listen to people.

“Personally, I think I did ok last season, but unfortunately for the team it wasn’t great. But the main target this year is to get back up and that’s the only target we want.”

Nyambe featured in Rovers’ opening three pre-season friendlies, but missed last night’s game at Morecambe after picking up an injury in training.

But he’s excited about the League One campaign ahead, adding: “We’ve been looking really good in pre-season.

“Everyone is looking fit and sharp, so I don’t see why we can’t have a successful season.

“I’m really excited and I can’t wait for our first game.”

Mowbray has added competition in the right back area after signing 29-year-old Paul Caddis who penned a two-year deal at Ewood after a successful trial.

And the boss said of the full-back battle: “I hope he can aid Ryan’s development, but first and foremost the competition for the place has got to really focus his concentration.

“Hopefully Ryan can watch and learn from Paul’s different qualities as a footballer. Knowing Caddy’s personality, I think he will help the young lads as well.

“They’re very different and different games, against different opposition, might require a different team selection and they’ll both play quite a bit of football this season I’m sure.”