EWOOD exile Damien Johnson today issued a 'come and get me' plea to any would-be buyers as he attempts to relaunch his career away from Rovers.

Northern Ireland international Johnson was desperately disappointed to learn that he will not be offered a new contract by Rovers when his existing deal expires in the summer.

But, as he comes to terms with the fact his Blackburn career is now effectively over, the 23-year-old wide-man is determined to get fixed up with a new club elsewhere as quickly as possible.

"When I heard I wasn't being offered a new deal I was disappointed," said Johnson.

"But I kind of saw it coming anyway so it wasn't that much of a surprise to me.

"Nevertheless, it's still disappointing to hear that you're no longer wanted and I was a little bit disappointed by the way the club handled it all.

"That's football, though, I suppose and I don't bear a grudge with anyone at the club.

"In an ideal world, I would have preferred to have known about their decision sooner. But I appreciate the manager has got to do what he feels is best for the club and I've got to abide by that decision."

As things currently stand, Rovers are conscious of the fact that Johnson could leave for nothing in the summer once his present deal expires.

So they are looking to cash in now -- a decision which Johnson believes is hindering his chances of leaving before the end of the season.

"At the moment, the club are looking for some money for me because in a few months' time I'll be able to leave for free," said Johnson. But if they are freeing me I would have appreciated it if they could have made it a bit easier because why would a club want to pay money for me now when they can get me for nothing in the summer? I can appreciate it from both sides and I understand that Rovers want to get the best deal they possibly can. But once you no longer feel wanted at a club, you just want to get your future sorted."

Preston, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and Burnley are among a posse of clubs who have registered their interest.

And Johnson would welcome a move to any of them if it meant the guarantee of regular first team football.

"I've never really played regularly at Blackburn so I'd just like to go somewhere where I can get regular first team football," said Johnson.

"Ideally, I'd like to stay in the Premiership but I might not have that option.

"Therefore, the First Division would be the next best thing and I've played there before so I know it's still a good standard."

Meanwhile, Rovers boss Graeme Souness completed the signing of Hakan Unsal from Galatasaray yesterday in time to be included in today's squad to face Bolton. And the Ewood chief believes he has snapped up a real bargain in the 28-year-old, who can operate as either a left-back, a wing-back or anywhere in midfield.

"I've worked with Hakan before when he was a young lad at Galatasaray and he's an explosive type of player who will enjoy playing in England because he's prepared to get stuck in," said Souness.

"So we see him as a valuable player down the left-hand side.

"As everyone knows, left-footed players are very hard to find and I think we've nicked him.

"I think he'll prove to be a really good signing for us. We've not paid a lot of money for him because his contract was due to run out at the end of the season.

"But he had a great desire to play in Europe, which is why he didn't want to sign a new contract with Galatasaray. And I hope this turns out to be a great move for him. He already knows me, he knows Brad Friedel, he knows Dean Saunders and he knows Tugay. So I'm hoping that will help him to settle."