Sam Szmodics says signing a new deal at Rovers was a “no-brainer” after committing his future to the club.

The attacking midfielder has been a key member of Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side so far this season, scoring 11 goals in 17 Championship appearances – a total no other player in the division can match at this stage.

Szmodics’ new Rovers contract runs until the summer of 2026, with the option for a further 12 months.

“It was an easy choice,” he said. “When it became concrete, it was time to get it done. It was a no-brainer for me.

“It was a bit of a tough start, coming from down South. It is a long way up here and it is a different way of life, different manager and tactics. It was about getting used to it, on and off the pitch.

“Now I’m playing the best football I have ever played and loving every minute of being here.”

The former Peterborough man added: “From day one, as soon as I met the gaffer and he spoke to me about how he sees me playing.

“It is like a freedom. You can go anywhere on the pitch and express yourself, which is exactly what I’ve done.

“I get three or four chances a game and it doesn’t come from luck, it comes from how the manager sets us up and the way I play. I think Blackburn and the way we play suits my game to a tee.”

The 28-year-old has stepped up as a leader in the Rovers camp this season and is keen to keep helping the younger members of the squad.

“I want to kick on again, I want to get another contract after this and play in the Premier League with Blackburn,” he explained.

“It is another opportunity for me to be a leader. This contract takes me to 30 or 31, that does sound old but I feel like I can go again after that.

“It just puts a bit more pressure on me to keep doing what I’m doing, but it is something I love doing.

"Hopefully, I can keep helping the young boys and they can see there is a real pathway.

“I have come from League Two all the way up and it is sort of a sign that if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can get to where you want to be. Hopefully, we can go that one step further this season.”

Szmodics is a big character in the dressing room and is enjoying having the freedom to express himself on the pitch at Rovers.

“People prepare for games differently and I am always laughing, joking and dancing around,” he smiled.

“It is just how I prepare and how I focus on games. You will probably hear me before you see me! But when it is time to work, I will work as hard as I can.

“We all want to be the best players on the pitch and that hasn’t changed for me. I want to be the best version I can be, on and off the pitch."