Taylor Harwood-Bellis was pleased to see Manchester City’s stance over the possibility of loan move change to allow him to make his Rovers move.

Rovers first enquired about the prospect of taking the teenager on loan in early January, but were knocked back as City wanted to keep him around as first-team cover. However, the return to fitness of Aymeric Laporte, and Eric Garcia staying at the Etihad, gave Rovers the green light to press ahead.

Harwood-Bellis wanted to make the move after hearing of Rovers’ interest, and is now eyeing a first start against Preston.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I knew that I wanted to go and play games, my main point was that I wanted to go and play games.

“The fact that City said I could go to Blackburn it was a massive relief for me and be in a first-team environment. It was what I wanted to do and to learn my trade so I’m happy that it happened.”

The move to Rovers is the teenager’s first spell away from his boyhood club, but he feels the welcome he’s received has helped him settle in quickly.

Harwood-Bellis has now had two full weeks training with his new team-mates following his deadline day move.

“When I came in, it’s a top training ground, great set-up, so it wasn’t like it was a massive difference (from City),” the 19-year-old said.

“I came in and felt comfortable from the moment I walked in the place, everyone greeted me and now I feel like I’ve been a few months already.

“It’s brilliant and I’m really enjoying it. There’s a big few months coming up.”

Harwood-Bellis has had Rovers connections throughout his development at his parent club, with Alan Wright one of his ex-youth coaches, while title-winner Jason Wilcox heads up City’s Academy.

His development has been as a central defender, and while that’s his main role, he was used at right back on his Rovers debut when he replaced Ryan Nyambe.

And although he is competent with the ball at his feet, he says defending is not only primary objective, but his passion.

To force his way into the Rovers backline he will need to break up the blossoming partnership of captain Darragh Lenihan and Everton loanee Jarrad Branthwaite that has been used in the last four matches.

“From when I was younger I used to love blocking the ball, heading the ball, it was one of my favourite things to do,” he explained.

“It’s what a defender does, stop the ball going in the net, and then all the technical stuff comes with it.

“City have helped with that, always making the defenders do drills, so they have had a massive part in that and making me have that attitude and loving defending.

“I have played in quite a few positions over my career but defending, I love it and it’s a really important part of the game. If you keep clean sheets you’re going to go places.”