Morten Gamst Pedersen remains a man close to Rovers fans’ hearts.

Pedersen pulled on the Rovers training gear once again, using the club’s facilities to help in his search for a new club, training with the fitness staff as well as the Academy sides,  during a week-long return to the club.

The 38-year-old was then a special guest for Saturday’s home game with Preston North End, revealing a Rovers shirt with ‘Pedersen 12’ on the back as he was introduced to fans ahead of kick-off.

That came after the Norwegian was the subject of a Q&A evening which was formed of two parts, first recalling his time at the club, highs and lows, stunning goals and successful sides, before answering questions of supporters in the second half.

He named his all-time Rovers team that he played with, waxed lyrical about the talents of Tugay, and named his goal against Burnley as his favourite in Rovers colours.

Pedersen is now a free agent after leaving Tromso, and said he is keen to continue playing until he’s 40.

He became quite emotional when opening up on his exit from Rovers in 2013, nine years and 349 appearances after first arriving, and said a future role at the club, in whatever capacity, is something he would love.

The event sold out in a matter of hours, with 300 fans in attendance, with Pedersen staying long after the Q&A had finished to answer questions and have pictures with his adoring public.

“It’s nice to be back, good feelings,” said Pedersen.

“It was nice to come here and train and to feel how it is to play football at a good level again.

“I had some great times here.

“We had a strong team, everyone was pulling in the same direction.

“I think everyone feared us because when they came to Ewood Park they knew it wouldn’t be easy.

“We had a strong home record, even under Sam Allardyce we hardly lost at Ewood.

“It shows you don’t have to be the biggest club to create what we did.”