Harrison Reed knows it is down to him to force his way in to Tony Mowbray’s plans and is well aware of the challenge ahead.

The Southampton loanee was an unused substitute in Rovers’ 4-1 defeat at Bristol City after signing on a season-long loan, and says the international break has allowed him to ‘bed in’ to his new surroundings.

Richie Smallwood and Corry Evans have started all of Rovers’ last 15 matches together in central midfield, with Reed brought in as competition to the pair.

The 23-year-old played 43 times during a loan spell at Norwich City last season, and has spoken to Mowbray about what it will take for him to become a fixture in the Rovers midfield.

“You can’t expect to come in and play straight away,” Reed said.

“It’s down to me to prove to the manager that I deserve to play through training, or my performances, whether it be 20 minutes at the end of the game or influence it when I can. I’m not expecting to come in and start, I know there are good players here, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I think I can bring a calmness, a quality in possession and a bit of fight and energy in midfield.

“I know we have that already, but I feel I can add something to this team and that’s something I’m looking to bring.”

Reed finally secured a move to Ewood Park in the final week of the transfer window after protracted negotiations.

That included discussions with Mowbray over his potential role in his team.

He added: “I spoke to the manager and there were only positive things to feed off.

“He spoke more about football than I have with any other manager, how he wanted me to play in his team, and what I had to do first and foremost to get in his team, and then what I needed to do to stay there.

“That’s important for me, for him to make it clear to me what it will take to get in the team so I can go out on a Saturday and Tuesday and perform.

“This team is used to winning.

“I am joining a group which is used to winning and hopefully we can continue that.”

Reed’s loan move to East Lancashire doesn’t include an option to buy, with Southampton viewing the midfielder as a long-term prospect, with still two-and-a-half years to run on the contract he signed at St Mary’s.

He has made 17 appearances for the Saints, with his spell at Carrow Road last season his first full season at senior level.

The diminutive midfielder still harbours ambitions of breaking in to the Southampton first-team, and it was only a late decision for him to leave on loan.

“I had a few conversations with the manager at Southampton and there was a late decision for me to go out on loan,” he said.

“To have an option like Blackburn Rovers on the table was important, and good for me. Playing 43 games last year I felt like I progressed as a player and a person off the pitch as well.

“It was a new experience and I’m looking forward to this challenge now. It is a great move for me, a great opportunity.”