BLACKBURN Rovers striker Jemal Johnson has set his sights on a new contract after breaking into the first team squad.

The 19-year-old forward's current deal expires in the summer but Johnson hopes he can do enough over the next few months to persuade Mark Hughes to offer him another one.

The young American, who has been a prolific scorer in the reserves this season, made his first team debut as a late substitute in Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup draw against Cardiff City at Ninian Park.

Now Johnson is hoping that cameo appearance may lead to more opportunities in the future as he seeks to impress both Hughes and his coaching staff.

"My contract is up at the end of the season but I've just been given a squad number so, hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to stay on next year," said Johnson.

"I'd certainly like to stay here but I know I've just got to keep working hard and see what happens."

Johnson was surprised to find himself on the bench on Saturday, even though he has been training with the first team for some time now.

Hughes had named the teenager in his squads for the previous five games and he then made the step up to the bench at Ninian Park when Brett Emerton fell ill on the morning of the game.

"I was delighted to get on. I've been waiting a long time for my opportunity," said Johnson.

"I've been doing well in the reserves recently and I was just glad to get a chance with the first team.

"I've been in the squad for the past five games but before Saturday, I hadn't made the bench.

"Thankfully, though, the manager decided to put me on and although I only got a couple of minutes at the end, I thought I did alright.

"I didn't lose the ball and that's what you aim to do."

Johnson's first taste of senior action has made him more determined than ever to forge a career for himself at Blackburn under Hughes.

The former Manchester United starlet has progressed through the Academy ranks at Rovers during the last few years but now he's made the breakthrough into the first team squad, he's hungry for more.

"This has whetted my appetite now," he added.

"I've had a taste of it so I've just got to keep working hard, keep my head down, and try and stay out of trouble."

Rovers officials met with club skipper Barry Ferguson and his agent yesterday and, despite speculation persisting that Glasgow Rangers are poised to make a £6million bid for their former player, reported no deal is on the cards.

Club chief executive John Williams said: "We spoke to Barry and his agent and he hasn't handed in a transfer request.

"We haven't received any offer from Rangers and we told him we want him to stay at Ewood."

Meanwhile, South Africa coach Stuart Baxter is tipping Aaron Mokoena to be a huge success at Ewood Park.

Mokoena, captain of the national team, made his first appearance for Rovers at the weekend when he came off the bench in the draw against Cardiff in the FA Cup.

He could now make his first start in defence at Portsmouth on Saturday as both Lucas Neill and Dominic Matteo are suspended.

Baxter believes Mokoena will rise to the challenge in England.

"There is no doubt Aaron will be an instant hit because he is a workaholic and a true professional," Baxter told South African website Dispatch Online.