CHRIS Samba has urged Marseille loanee Gael Givet to commit his long term future to Blackburn Rovers after admitting his Premier League transition has stunned everyone.

Rovers chairman John Williams has already revealed no talks will be held with regards next season until Premier League safety is secured but Samba is hopeful the Frenchman will become a permanent Rover.

Since arriving at Ewood Park on loan until the end of the season from Marseille in January, Givet has become a key member of Sam Allardyce’s relegation-fighting side at left back.

He has already made nine appearances and his form has allowed the Rovers boss to push Stephen Warnock into an effective attacking midfield role.

Givet’s arrival has also revived his own stuttering career, having not featured for Marseille all season after a bust-up with the French club’s manager, and Samba believes a summer deal is the next natural step.

Samba said: “Gael has been very good since coming here. It does take time to settle into the Premier League but Gael has done it very quickly, quicker than anyone expected.

“It feels like he is part of the club already and I think he has played very well for us. He is a good defender.

“The supporters do like him and I think they would like him to sign for Blackburn. I also think Gael would love to sign but first of all we all have to concentrate on staying up.”

Givet, who is equally adept at left back and centre back, arrived at Marseille from Monaco in the summer of 2007 and made 29 appearances in Ligue One last season before falling out with coach Erik Gerets.

He is believed to be available for transfer this summer, with Allardyce already impressed by his impact, although it could cost Rovers in the region £3million to secure his permanent switch.

Any move would be highly unlikely should Rovers fail to win their battle against relegation though with the 27-year-old desperate for top-flight football to win his French place back.

Samba said: “Most of us have had to settle into English football and it does take a little of time. It is very different to elsewhere and is probably the toughest league in the world.

“I am sure Gael was surprised by the speed and the tackles but he has coped very well and is dealing with the communication side as well.”