JUNIOR Hoilett is relishing his Premier League challenge as he bids to finally establish himself in ‘the best league in the world’.

The 19-year-old Canadian has made an instant impression in his first pre-season at Ewood Park, with boss Sam Allardyce predicting a bright future for the striker.

Having spent the last two seasons on loan in Germany, Rovers had to battle to get a work permit to bring him back to England but, after a successful appeal, he has produced some bright cameos this season.

Hoilett, who can play either out wide or up front, is entering his last year of his Blackburn Rovers contract and will be desperate to show Allardyce and co he has the potential to enjoy a Premier League future.

He said: “I am back in the Premier League now though, it is the best league in the world. I wanted to get experience, play games but it was all about getting into the Rovers squad one day.

“I want to show what I can do. I will work hard every game and try to get in the starting XI.

“It has been a great learning experience the last few weeks.

“The players help me in training and I hope to gain every experience I can – I am just looking forward to the new season.”

Hoilett’s success last season with St Pauli in Germany had seen Bundesliga new boys Mainz attempt to bring him back to Germany for another loan spell away from Ewood Park.

But, having dedicated a lot of time and money into the youngster’s development, Rovers are determined to give the Ottawa-born youngster his chance to press for a first team squad place this campaign.

Hoilett said: “It is a relief to finally have the work permit issues sorted and it was great to get out on the pitch at last after so much confusion over the last few months.”