Derrick Williams says Rovers is the only place for him after feeling wanted by boss Tony Mowbray.

Williams has signed a new three-year contract at the club through to the summer of 2021 and is now looking forward to the upcoming Championship campaign.

No Rovers player featured more last season than Williams, with 52 appearances, and he has missed just one league game since Mowbray took charge in February 2017.

The Republic of Ireland international followed club and international teammate Darragh Lenihan in committing his future to the club, and was delighted to get the deal done.

But Mowbray’s desire to keep him at Ewood Park meant there was never going to be any chance of him seeking pastures new.

He said: “I’m delighted to stay and glad to sign a contract to tie me down for three years.

“I’m really happy, it’s a great club and I’m looking forward to the new season now.

 “As soon as the manager said he wanted to keep me here long-term, I knew this was the place I wanted to be and was very keen to just get the deal done. It’s finished now which is good and we can all look forward.”

 Williams was signed from Bristol City in 2016 and although Rovers were relegated, he was crowned the club’s player of the year.

And the defender added: “The first season here wasn’t great although personally I thought I did all right.

“The second season was much better so I’m looking forward to kicking on again this coming campaign and hopefully to finish high up in the league.

“I want to reach the levels I reached when I first came here and do even better than that.

“I’ll set myself goals and will aim to hit those.”