Dilan Markanday says an appearance on the final day at Birmingham City after three months out injured was an important milestone to take into next season.

The January signing played the final quarter at St Andrew’s, and had an excellent chance to open his account late on, in what was his first appearance since his debut at Hull City.

Then, only a day after signing for the club, he sustained a serious hamstring injury that required surgery and looked likely to rule him out for the season.

However, Markanday worked hard to get himself back into a position which meant he could feature again, and he believes his cameo was an important milestone for him ahead of the summer break.

He said: “There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes going into this moment.

“When I got injured I thought I’d be looking at next season but to get some minutes in before the end of the season is a really good feeling.

“It’s not been the start I wanted at the football club, but these things happen.

“It was a great feeling to be out there, to finish with a win, and I’m raring to go for next season and show everyone what I’m about.

“Mentally, I’m going into the summer and next season much better and know that I’m right and I’m raring to go.”

Markanday made the move to Rovers in January, for a six-figure fee, after starring for Tottenham Hotspur’s Under-23s side, scoring 12 times in 14 Premier League 2 appearances.

Mowbray has told Rovers fans to ‘be excited’ by Markanday who he believes will have a big impact moving forward.

Injury denied him the opportunity to make his Ewood Park debut, but all that is to come for Markanday who agreed a long-term contract when joining the club in January.

And while the summer means it won’t be until next season that he will be able to make his mark, he’s ready to make the most of the opportunity.

He added: “I’m going to use this time to rest, recuperate and hit the ground running for next season and I’m excited.

“There’s a lot of great players in this squad, we play good football and that’s good for me and I think we can push on next season.”

Operating from the right flank, Markanday showed some neat touches after replacing Sam Gallagher, but was denied by Neil Etheridge one-on-one in the closing stages as he went in search of his first goal.

He was in a relaxed mood when asked about it however, adding: “It was almost like I got so excited, and I missed, but it is what is.

“I’m grateful for the minutes and hopefully I can score lots of goals next season.”

Rovers will likely lose top scorer Ben Brereton in the summer, as he heads into the final year of his contract.

But Rovers do look well stocked in the attacking areas heading into next season, with Ryan Hedges, Tyrhys Dolan, Bradley Dack, Gallagher and Markanday all under contract, with loanees Reda Khadra and Ian Poveda having now returned to their parent clubs.

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