ROVERS winger Damien Johnson plans to let his boots do the talking as he sets his sights on winning a new deal with the Ewood club.

The Northern Ireland international's current contract expires next summer and Rovers boss Graeme Souness has yet to open talks about offering him a new one.

But, contrary to reports elsewhere, the 22-year-old has no intention of demanding showdown talks..

Instead, the dynamic midfielder hopes to influence Souness's judgement through his performances on the pitch after fighting his way back onto the first scene following a succession of injury problems.

"I'm desperate to stay at Ewood because I love the club and I've really enjoyed my time here," said Johnson.

"So I just have to keep my head down and try and prove to the manager that I'm worth offering a new contract to.

"I haven't been in to see him about it because I don't feel that's the right way to go.

"I just want to show him on the pitch that I'm worth another chance.

"I've been here since I was a young lad, the club is back in the Premiership again and there's a buzz about the place, so I'd be daft to leave right now.

"As yet the club haven't approached me about a new one so I don't really know whether they want me to stay or go.

"But I'd really love the chance to sit down and discuss my future because I'm very happy here."

Johnson was outstanding in Rovers' thumping 7-1 win over West Ham on Sunday, opening his goal account for the season in the process.

But Ewood chief executive John Williams is giving little way about when the club are likely to open talks about a new deal.

"We'll be looking at Damien's situation sometime before Christmas and then we'll make a decision from there," said Williams.

In the meantime, Johnson is just focusing on keeping his place in Souness's starting 11.

And he is eager for the chance to prove himself again against Arsenal at Highbury on Saturday with confidence sky high.

"The 7-1 win against West Ham gave everyone a huge lift and it's just good to be involved again after missing most of last season.

"I was pleased with my contribution and now my aim to keep my place for the next game against Arsenal and make sure I do enough to stay in the team.

"It's a bit daunting to say the least going down there but we are going into it off the back of a very good win."