MIDFIELD ace Alan Mahon today reiterated his desire to make his move to Ewood permanent.

The Republic of Ireland star is currently on loan from Sporting Lisbon until the end of the season.

But he wants to become a Rover on a permanent basis and would love the chance to test himself in the Premiership with the Ewood club next season.

"Blackburn is a great club, with a great manager and a superb set of players," said Mahon.

"What more could a young player ask for?

"Hopefully, something can be sorted out with Sporting Lisbon sooner rather than later because I'd love to sign for Rovers.

"But, if I have to go back to Portugal, then that's no problem either.

"Right now, though, I'm playing first team football and working under a manager who has belief in me and has put faith in my game.

"I'm grateful to Graeme Souness for that and I want to repay him by trying to help Blackburn get back into the Premier League.

"A lot of the players here have played there before but that's still a dream for me.

"I've performed in the Champions League for Sporting but it's every young footballers ambition to play in the Premiership.

"And I'd love to think that I'd be there with Blackburn next season."

Mahon has quickly settled into life at Ewood and is widely regarded as one of the most popular players in the dressing room.

And it's that kind of team spirit which is one of the crucial factors behind his desire to stay.

"I had a great time at Tranmere but I feel far more at home with Blackburn," said Mahon.

"Tranmere was a brilliant experience because we reached the Worthington Cup final and I also experienced so much other cup glory.

"But it's a far better atmosphere here.

"It's been a lot more relaxed and you can express yourself much more under Graeme Souness."

Rovers midfielder Marc Keller has revealed he is interested in becoming the new manager of Strasbourg.

Keller is currently contracted to Rovers until the end of the season and could well link up with his former club in the summer.