Blackburn Rovers milestone was 'massive honour' for Dolan

The wideman achieved that feat against Derby County at 23 years and 70 days, putting him above the likes of Simon Barker, Billy Wilson and Ronnie Clayton in the list. Peter Dobing holds the record at 22 years and 112 days.

Dolan has come a long way since his debut against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup in August 2020, becoming an important figure at Ewood Park.

“To go and make my 200th appearance was massive for me, my family and all my friends, a proud moment,” he beamed.

“When I was told (about the record), it was a moment for me to realise how far I’ve come and how much work I have put in to achieve that.

“It has not been an easy road, even as a kid in football, so a really proud feeling to achieve that and put myself in the history books. It is a massive honour.”

Rovers took a chance on Dolan following his departure from Preston North End and he hit the ground running, scoring twice in his first three Championship matches. Since then, he hasn't looked back.

“It means everything to me, I love this club,” the winger added. “I came here as a young lad and went through so much, I have been through so much while I’ve been here.

“I have just enjoyed my football, it has been my space where I can enjoy myself. We have had our ups and downs and with my style of play, it has not always come off. But I try my best and give 110 per cent.

“That is just my love for the club, I will go out there and go to war for the supporters and my family. It is a special club to me and I will fight until the very end.”

There have been plenty of ups and downs throughout Dolan’s 200-plus matches to date, including drama at both ends of the table.

“It has been a roller-coaster but I have enjoyed all the ups and downs,” he reflected. “To almost get in the play-offs by goal difference to then almost getting relegated, we have been through crazy journeys.

“It would be nice to put the cherry on top by getting in the play-offs this season. Everything we have all gone through together, it would be nice to get that at the end of the season.”

Dolan has been a regular feature in the side since his Rovers debut, averaging around 40 appearances per season.

“That’s what has got me to where I am at now, I have always been available,” he explained. “I work hard and look after myself.

“The proof is there to show that if I didn’t, I would have made 200 appearances in such a short period of time.

“I love to play football so even when I have something where the physios will say, ‘You shouldn’t play’, I will play. I just want to go out there and that is what I look forward to at the weekend.”