NEW boy Matt Grimes jumped at the chance to join Blackburn Rovers after being thrown an opportunity at first-team football.

But perhaps we should not be surprised given his past history as a national Ultimate Frisbee champion.

Grimes helped his school to the title before going on to represent Great Britain at the competitive version of Frisbee.

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But the young midfielder put the flying disc down after he signed a scholarship deal with Exeter City.

It is a decision he has not regretted.

Grimes went on to score five goals in 62 appearances for his hometown club, where he was player of the year in 2013-14, before making a £1.75m move to Swansea City.

The England Under-20s international has netted one goal in seven games for the Premier League outfit.

But Grimes, who was compared to a ‘young Glenn Hoddle’ by Exeter’s director of football and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Steve Perryman, has not played as much as he would have hoped this season.

The 20-year-old was therefore delighted when the call came from Paul Lambert and he believes his experience of playing in the Football League means he will be able to hit the ground running once he shakes off the ring rust.

“If I’m thrown in at the deep end I’m not going to be 100 per cent match sharp yet, and it might take me a few games to get it, but I’m raring to go and I can’t wait to play football,” said Grimes, whose last appearance for Swansea came on January 10.

“Not playing is probably the most frustrating thing. It’s like having an itch and not being able to quite get it. So it’s good for me coming here and hopefully I’ll get some games under my belt.

“I’ve played 60 games in the League so it’s definitely held me in good stead. I know about the ugly side of the game – the tackling, the heading, winning the second balls – so as soon as I get match fit I’m sure I can do everything the gaffer asks me to.”

What Rovers boss Lambert is asking of his players is an end to the winless run which has left the club just five points above the relegation places.

“No, it’s not great and the quality we have in the dressing room, it’s not where we should be,” said Grimes, who was named in the League Two PFA Team of the Year for 2014-15 despite leaving for Swansea halfway through the campaign.

“I think everyone has realised that now and realised we’re in a bit of a sticky situation. I’ll try my utmost to improve the team and give what I can to help us get up the league table.”

And what can Rovers fans expect of Grimes?

“I’m an attack-minded midfielder who likes to get on the ball whenever I can,” he said.

“I like to get the play moving forward, provide for the strikers, and nick a few goals as well.”

And of his Frisbee days?

“I did Frisbee because I don’t think it’s healthy for it to be football, football, football when you’re younger,” said Grimes, an all-round sportsman who still has a Frisbee at home.

“I think you need to try your hand at different sports and get away from football.

“Now football is my priority and has been for a number of years but I still hold fond memories of playing Frisbee.”