Jack Vale has the belief to make it at Rovers and put the disappointment of recent loan spells behind him.

Vale has scored hat-tricks in back-to-back wins over Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion having returned from his time with FC Halifax.

The 20-year-old has had a frustrating time with injury and out on loan since his first-team debut in July 2020, but has been highly-rated at the club for some time.

The Wales Under-21 international had been linked with a move to Salford City in January, but with the EFL transfer window now closed, he has his eyes set on trying to break into Tony Mowbray’s first-team plans.

To do that Under-23s boss Mike Sheron says he will have to put in exceptional performances for his side, as well as catching the eye in training.

“I think Jack has been frustrated with how things have got out on loan. He wants to be as good a footballer as he can and he believes he can make it at Blackburn Rovers,” Sheron said.

“Goals are his currency, that’s what people see.

“We had a conversation just over a week ago and said that if he keeps scoring goals then the manager will be looking at you.

“That’s what he has to keep doing, but I’ve pleased with his all-round game since he came back, his work ethic, his hold-up play, his desire to get in behind and really pleased with how he’s progressing.”

Vale has seven goals in seven appearances at Under-23s level this season, and 13 in 42 Premier League 2 appearances.

He managed just three appearances in a six month spell with Rochdale in the second half of last season, and scored only once in 12 appearances for FC Halifax, but Sheron has belief in the young striker.

“Goals, it’s not just about scoring one, at Under-23s level you have to be outstanding to prick the manager’s ears up.

“Scoring hat-tricks in succession, that’s pretty good and his all-round game is good. If you’re going to play up front for the manager you have to show that you’re able to work and he’s shown that good work ethic.

“He’s been good this last month and we’ll try and develop that consistency and reliability with Jack because he’s got the talent.”

Hat-tricks have become something of a regularity for Vale, who also netted one for Wales Under-21s in their win in Bulgaria in September.

He hasn’t made the first-team squad yet this season, but with Dan Butterworth having been loaned out, he will hope that a chance to push for inclusion in Mowbray’s squad in the final weeks of the season.

His debut came off the bench in 4-3 win over Reading in the penultimate game of the 2019/20 season, Vale hitting the bar in his cameo in the closing stages.