Christian Walton says his experiences of playing against Rovers left him feeling there was ‘something special about the club’.

Walton has joined on a season-long loan deal from parent club Brighton after spending the last two seasons with Wigan Athletic.

There the 23-year-old helped the Latics pip Rovers to the League One title, before re-joining them last term.

Walton is expected to travel with the squad for tomorrow night’s friendly at Bury and has become the fourth summer signing as Tony Mowbray shapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here,” said the former England youth international.

"It’s been a quick process. I heard the news that Rovers were interested and jumped at the chance to join such a big club, a club that’s going in the right direction.

“I have played against Rovers over the last two seasons and I could see there was something special about the club with the manager and the players they had.

“There’s really good people around the place. With everyone pulling in the right direction I really do feel there are big things on the horizon for Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

Rovers have been in the market for a goalkeeper all summer, a search that intensified following the departure of David Raya to Brentford earlier this month.

Walton played 34 times for Wigan last season and 31 in their League One campaign, and having featured over 100 times during six separate loan spells, he is keen to get more game-time under his belt at Rovers.

He added: “I jumped at the chance to be part of things here. I want to keep progressing in my career and playing games is the main thing for any goalkeeper.

“I’ve done just that over the last three seasons and I want that journey to continue. I believe this club is the right fit.

“I could have stayed at Brighton, but I feel at this time in my career it’s the right choice to continue playing games.

“I’m looking forward to working with Ben (Benson) the goalkeeping coach and hopefully it’s the right fit for all parties.”

Rovers beat off competition from several other Championship clubs to secure Walton’s signature.

The club are still expected to bring in another ‘keeper this summer, with Jayson Leutwiler already on the books.

Rovers will look to improve on last season’s 15th-placed finish, and on his personal aims for the upcoming campaign, Walton told the club website: "For myself, to play another season in the Championship and do as well as I can, that's the aim.

 "Ultimately, my first aim is to help Rovers up the table and improve on last year, and hopefully I can do that."