FORMER Tranmere star Alan Mahon today revealed he's ready to turn his back on a life in the sun and commit his long-term future to Rovers.

Ewood chief Graeme Souness has made no secret of his desire to make the Republic of Ireland international's loan move from Portugal a permanent arrangement between now and the end of the season.

And now the 22-year-old midfielder has indicated he's eager to join the Souness revolution on a full-time basis after accepting he has no future with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.

"You don't like to think that you have let yourself down, or that you have failed, but every player needs to get first team football, and I wasn't getting that in Portugal," said Mahon.

"You know when you enjoy your football? Well I got a buzz when I was playing for Tranmere last season, and I'm getting that again now with Blackburn.

"And I think it will be better for all concerned if I stay."

Mahon has made a big impact since returning to England with Rovers in December.

But, though he initially joined with a view to using his time at Ewood to win back his Sporting place, he now believes his future firmly lies in Blackburn.

"I never wanted to give up, and even when I came to Blackburn, I thought it would only be on loan and I wanted to go back to Portugal and prove myself," said Mahon.

"But, realistically, Sporting have a 40-man squad.

"I wasn't getting a game and at my age I need to be playing.

"Blackburn is a different class.

"They have a young squad, with the right mixture of youth and experience, but mainly young lads.

"I can see where the team is going, I like the place and the manager's plans, so hopefully the deal can go through and I can commit myself to Blackburn.

"There are a few points to be worked out but I don't think my wages will be a problem.

"It hasn't gone through yet, but it should all go according to plan."

Rovers will have to cough up a fee in the region of £1 million for the Irish star, plus a £200,000 payment to Tranmere.

But that looks like sound business with the versatile Mahon now established as a regular in Souness's first team plans.

He only started one game for Sporting during his time on the continent in a Champions League clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

But he has started Rovers' last eight matches, proving a more than usual acquisition by appearing in a variety of positions.

And he played a starring role in Friday night's 4-1 demolition of promotion rivals Bolton at the Reebok.

Meanwhile, Rovers' Academy Under 17s kept up the pressure on Derby at the top of the table after a Jonathan Walters double sank Sheffield Wednesday at Brockhall.

Rovers were trailing 1-0 until leading scorer Walters popped up with two goals in the last 15 minutes to secure a vital 2-1 win.

Mark Burns was on target for the Under 19s but they lost 2-1 at home to Stoke.

Rovers' reserves are in action against Sunderland tonight at New Ferens Park (kick off 7pm).

Rovers' FA Youth Cup quarter final clash with Coventry City at Highfield Road will go ahead on Tuesday March 6, kick off 7pm.