YOUNG Blackburn Rovers defender Sam Lavelle has confirmed he is leaving the club.

Rovers are yet to announce which of their under-21 players will remain at Ewood Park beyond the summer.

But Lavelle has taken to social media to reveal that his time at Rovers has come to an end.

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The 19-year-old, who first joined the club as an eight-year-old boy, was a regular for the Academy side in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

But he made the step up to the U21 team in the 2014-15 campaign and was on target in the U21 Premier League Cup semi-final victory over Reading.

Lavelle, who has represented Scotland at youth level, made a further 18 times for the development squad this season.

But he will depart Rovers having never made a first-team appearance.

Lavelle said: “I’m very sad to say I’ll be parting company with the club I’ve been at since the age of eight.

“I’d like to thank everyone in and around the club that have treated me so well over the years and to the staff and fans who believed in me.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single day of my 11 years at such a big club, I’m just gutted I didn’t get the chance I needed.

“I’ve made some friends for life and some memories I’ll never forget. I will always look out for Blackburn Rovers and wish the club and the town all the best in the coming years.”