Ryan Hedges is focusing on producing for Rovers with the hope that could yet force his way into the Wales World Cup squad.

Hedges was in contention for a call-up for Wales’ Nations League matches this month having come back on his country’s radar after a strong start to the 2022/23 season.

However, he missed out on Rob Page’s squad for games against Belgium tomorrow and Poland on Sunday, Wales’ final matches before the squad for this winter’s World Cup has to be named next month.

The 27-year-old won the last of his three caps in 2019 and admits that a lack of involvement for the national team was the one disappointment of his time with Aberdeen.

Competition for places in the attacking ranks is strong, but Hedges is hoping that he can still put forward a strong case with his displays for Rovers, having featured in nine of their 10 Championship matches so far.

“It would be nice if I could get to Qatar,” he explained.

“They’ve done really well to qualify but if I can keep focusing on Blackburn and if it comes then great and if not then I’ll be ready to go again.

“You never know, but if I can keep performing to a high standard, playing week in, week out at a team that’s doing well there should be no reason why I can’t be knocking on the door.”

Hedges has already played more minutes this season than he did in the second half of the last campaign after his arrival in January from Aberdeen.

He has established himself as a key player under Jon Dahl Tomasson, playing more minutes than any player in pre-season and playing in all but one of the opening 10 matches.

Hedges scored his first goal for the club in last week’s win over Watford, having also contributed three assists.

He knows boosting those numbers will see him continue to be a regular in the side, with his flexibility and adaptability also making him a key component.

“I’m really happy to get a lot of minutes under my belt, especially considering how few opportunities I had last season,” he added.

“I need to keep working hard and what the gaffer is asking of me.

“I just enjoy being on the pitch, I’ve played a few different positions, but I will give my all and get in the side to put in performances like that and help the team to get three points.”

Hedges has played the last two matches as Rovers’ most central attacker following a switch to a 5-2-3 system.

“It was evident I was getting into the box a bit more, and if I can keep getting into those positions I’m sure goals will come,” he added.

“We’ve got really good attacking players across the board and we need to contribute with goals and assists.

“Hopefully I can carry on with that and adding that to my game, and if I can add goals then it will be another string to my bow.”

TAKE OUT A SUBSCRIPTION...

GAIN UNLIMITED AND UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO THE LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH WEBSITE WITH A PREMIUM DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION