Former Rovers striker Adam Armstrong is keen to pick up where he left off in the Championship.

Armstrong scored 28 goals during his last season in the second tier at Ewood Park before he was snapped up by the Saints for a fee around £15million.

The 26-year-old is preparing for the new Championship campaign after the South Coast club were relegated from the Premier League last term.

He scored his first goal of pre-season during the 4-2 win against League One Reading in Berkshire at the weekend.

Armstrong has been used in the No. 10 role at times but is keen to lead the line as much as possible over the coming season.

“I can play in different positions but I want to be down the middle because that’s where I feel most comfortable,” he told The Daily Echo.

“But I’m also comfortable dropping in so I’ll do a shift wherever the gaffer wants me to play, the Championship is a long hard slog so hopefully we will keep everyone fit and be at the top at the end of the season.”

He added: “It’s been good, the gaffer (Russell Martin) has been excellent since he came in – the lads are thriving off the way he wants to play.

“On and off the ball you have to work your socks off, that’s something he demands, but when you’re on the ball you let the ball do the talking – it’s been very good.

“After the gaffer came in, he and his staff have been excellent from the get-go really and it’s just trying to implement his style into a group of lads.

“There’s nothing more exciting than constantly being on the ball and that’s what every footballer wants. Hopefully this season we can put on some exciting performances and really push.”

Former Swansea boss Martin took charge at St Mary’s earlier this summer, succeeding Nathan Jones in the hot seat.

Ruben Selles also had a spell as interim boss during the final months of last season but was unable to keep the club in the top flight.

Armstrong has had a challenging couple of seasons in the Premier League, scoring four goals in 53 league appearances. He was on target in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Liverpool on the final day last term.

The former Newcastle youngster hopes a return to the Championship will help him rediscover his best form and show what he is capable of.

However, he was cautious to suggest that he could repeat his impressive figures from his final season at Rovers.

Armstrong explained: “Every season is a new season and you’re always demanding to get more from yourself and the team.

“We are aiming to get promoted this season and if I can score a lot of goals to help with that, I will be very happy.”