John Buckley has set his sights on more starts after penning a new long-term deal at Rovers.

Buckley’s progress has been rewarded with a new contract through to 2024, with the option of a further 12 months.

The midfielder, who has been with the club since the age of six, has featured in every matchday squad this season, but has made just two starts.

He is closing in on 50 appearances for Rovers since his debut in March 2018, and a delighted Buckley is now eyeing more game-time in a bid to become a first-team regular.

He said: “I feel I’ve developed over the last few years, but I just want to kick on now and get more starts.

“That will improve my confidence and push my levels higher. I want to keep performing, keep training well every day.

“The end goal for me is to keep progressing and to play in the Premier League for this club.

“I want to be a real focal point in our team.”

Buckley’s deal was announced 12 months on from his goal in the win at Charlton Athletic, one of three he’s scored for the club, including the equaliser against Stoke City in December.

He is the first player this calendar to sign a new deal at the club and first since Bradley Dack pledged his future to the club in late 2020.

Rovers are keen to secure the services of their emerging talent, including Ryan Nyambe and Joe Rankin-Costello, with 13 players in total out of contract in the summer.

And Academy graduate Buckley added: “I’m buzzing to get the deal signed and can’t wait to spend many more years here at this club.

“I love it at this club, I just want to keep progressing and help us back to the Premier League.

“I’ve been here since I was six, it’s a great club and it’s been a big journey full of ups and downs along the way.

“I’ve seen a lot of lads come and go in my age groups, but I’m a first-team player now and playing with all the lads is brilliant.”

Buckley’s new deal could take his association with the club close to 20 years should he see it through, and he added: “Rovers is my club, it’s the club I love and the club I want to keep progressing at.”