Taylor Gardner-Hickman feels he has a point to prove as he targets a permanent stay at Blackburn Rovers.
The 23-year-old signed on loan with the option of making his switch from Birmingham City permanent. He rounded off Rovers' transfer business as their 10th summer signing.
Gardner-Hickman's career has followed an interesting pattern. Despite being just 23, the last three clubs he's joined have initially been loans with both Bristol City and the Blues signing him full-time afterwards.
Despite that, he's struggled to lay down firm roots at any club. That was a huge motivating factor in his Ewood Park switch.
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"I think I'm at the stage in my career where I'm ready to show people that I'm ready to compete at this level consistently," he told RoversTV.
"I want to show what people may not have seen. Over the last few seasons, I've gained experience on and off the pitch so I'm in a good place to show that with my performances.
"It's been frustrating, being stop-start. I get my head down and try to prove people wrong and that I should be playing, when I get my chance.
"I have enjoyed playing at Ewood Park before and I'm looking forward to calling it home.
"I want to show what I can do, earn people's trust and maybe surprise one or two people. I'm fit, strong and ready so I'm here to prove a point.
"It's my time now to nail down a position and I'm ready for this challenge. I want to be a success here, I'm very excited to be here."
It was Valerien Ismael who gave Gardner-Hickman his debut at West Brom. The two have a strong relationship which has been a big driving factor in this Rovers move.
The 23-year-old credits Rovers' head coach with helping him navigate his first months as a first-team player and wants to repay the faith he showed.
"I know the gaffer well from my time at West Brom," he said.
"He put his trust in me, gave me my debut. Now I want to return the favour and help the team.
"He helped me tremendously, he helped with the transition from a young boy to a man. He helped me off the pitch and on it. I want to repay that.
"He knows what I'm about and what I can do. I know what he demands, how his teams play, so I am ready to hit the ground running."
Gardner-Hickman is a versatile player who has featured in midfield and at right-back. Whilst he's happy to help the team wherever called upon, central midfield is his preferred position.
"I am aggressive, I try to be forward-thinking in what I do," he said, describing his attributes.
"I can do the dirty work, get back and defend. I'll work hard and do everything I can. Centre midfield is my position where I feel strongest; I think it brings together my best attributes.
"I am happy to play other positions as well, I am versatile."
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