Signing a new Rovers deal was a big step for Joe Hilton who is looking to progress his career after signing for Hamilton Academical on a season-long loan.

The ‘keeper agreed a two-year extension to his Rovers contract before being loaned to the Scottish Championship club where he has been training for two weeks.

The 21-year-old finished last season with Ross County, although he failed to make an appearance, after turning out three times for Fleetwood Town in January after agreeing an emergency switch.

Hilton was a regular for Rovers Under-23s in 2019/20 after arriving from Everton, and will look to continue his progression with Hamilton who were relegated from the Scottish top-flight last season.

He said: “Signing that new deal at Blackburn was a big step for me and now I’m here at Hamilton it’s about pushing on and continuing what I’ve been doing already.

“I’m here to try and get into the squad, win games, keep the momentum going and hopefully finish on a high at the end of the season.”

Hilton is yet to make a senior appearance for Rovers, but will be eyeing regular game-time with Brian Rice’s side.

He added: “I’m delighted, it’s a great opportunity for myself coming back to Scotland and I’m just really looking forward to getting started.

“At Ross County, it was a real good experience for me working in and around the first-team environment and every single game means so much to the team.”

He is one of a host of young goalkeeper’s on the club’s books, with Jordan Eastham and Antonis Stergiakis having shared the gloves for the Under-23s last season.

Speaking after his Rovers deal was extended through to 2023, Hilton praised the influence of goalkeeping coach Ben Benson.

He said: “I’ve loved my time here so far.

“Ben Benson has been massive for me. His whole attitude towards me, wanting me to do well and improve, it’s been huge for me since I’ve been here.

“I want to kick on now. Those experiences have given me a little glimpse of what it’s like and I just want to keep pushing on and continue that. I’m still only 21, which is a baby for a goalkeeper, so it’s just about finding that right opportunity and grabbing it with both hands when it comes along.”

Hilton got three appearances under his belt for Fleetwood, and despite failing to feature for Ross County in their successful battle to beat the drop, he said the experience was a positive one.

He added: “It was a great experience for me. I didn’t get many games, but on the whole, just being in and around a first team environment, fighting for our lives in the league, it was massive for me.”