PROMISING striker Matt Derbyshire believes he can force his way into the first team next season after signing a new deal with Blackburn Rovers.

The 20-year-old forward, who was playing in the North West Counties League with Great Harwood three years ago, is now looking to make an impact in the Premiership following Rovers' decision to hand him a new two-year contract.

Derbyshire underlined his potential during a loan spell with Wrexham, scoring 10 goals in 14 appearances for the League Two club last season.

That spell at the Racecourse Ground impressed Rovers boss Mark Hughes, who then decided to rip up Derbyshire's existing deal, which still had a year to run, and replace it with a new one.

The delighted forward said: "I'm over the moon. To sign for another two years at Blackburn is superb.

"When they said they were going to rip up my contract and give me a new one, I couldn't believe it.

"One of my mottos in life is if you work hard then you get your rewards' and I'd like to think I've worked hard during my time at the club.

"Next season is a massive one for me now.

"I'm 20-years-old and the next two years are big years for me; they can go either way because I'm getting older and older.

"My aim has got to be to get in to the first team and try and earn myself another contract.

"I believe I'm knocking on the door. Going out on loan last season did me a lot of good so when we come back for pre-season I hope to show the manager how far I've come."

Competition for striking places at Rovers is sure to be intense next season with Mark Hughes likely to sign at least one new forward this summer - and possibly two.

But Derbyshire isn't fazed by the challenges which lie ahead and he would be quite happy to go out on loan again, either in the Championship club or to a club in League One, if Hughes decided that was best for his development.

"I don't mind going out on loan again if that's what the manager decides is best," added Derbyshire.

"It's all experience which can only be good for me."