Kristi Montgomery says he is one step closer to his goal after signing professional terms with Rovers.

Montgomery became the latest homegrown youngster to sign a new contract with Rovers, and has signed a two-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months.

A Scotland youth international, Montgomery is known for his versatility, and has been a regular in the Rovers Under-18s set-up.

As a result, he has now landed a professional deal with Rovers, the club he has been with since the age of nine.

His target is to push towards the first-team, and sees his professional deal as the next stage in his footballing journey that he hopes will lead to a long-term career.

He said: “This is a really important day for me.

“I’m delighted to sign a pro contract at Blackburn Rovers and to move one step closer to achieving my dream goal.

“A lot of hard work and sacrifice has got me to this stage. I’ve also got to thank my parents and the coaching staff at Rovers, who have helped me a lot as well. I’ve just got to kick on now, try to get into the Under-23s team and hopefully progress towards the first team.

“It’s going to be an exciting season ahead – my first as a professional footballer – and I feel like I’m ready for it. We’ll aim to finish as high as we can in Premier League 2 and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Montgomery arrived at Rovers in 2013 and has since progressed through the ranks to become a regular for Ryan Kidd’s Under-18s side.

He played 22 times in 2021/22 as Rovers finished fifth in the Premier League North division, having led the way for much of the first half of the season.

Capped by Scotland at Under-16 level, Montgomery also featured in the run to the FA Youth Cup quarter finals where Rovers were beaten by Nottingham Forest.

The next step of his career will be to make his debut for the Under-23s in Premier League 2.

With Dan Pike likely to leave on loan during the window, that could open up a spot at right back following Joe Ferguson’s departure at the end of his contract, while there is uncertainty over whether Jay Haddow will sign the professional deal that is on the table.

Montgomery can also feature in the centre of midfield which could open another avenue for him to feature in the side.

He was selected in the side for the opening two Under23s pre-season friendlies of the summer against Darwen FC and Workington AFC, with new assistant boss Mark Burton taking the side in both.