GARY Croft acknowledged the size of the challenge he faces as he breezed into Ewood Park for the first time this afternoon.

He knows it's a massive step up from Division One standards to joining the cream of the crop in the Premiership.

But Blackburn Rovers' latest million-pound man is relishing the chance to pick up the gauntlet and try to bridge that gap.

"There is definitely a big gap between the First Division and the Premiership, especially with the amount of international stars and some of the players who are about at the moment," he said.

"I think the level is rising all the time and it is going to be a struggle for the First Division sides to close that gap because they haven't got the resources."

The 22-year-old Croft, however, gives off an air of confidence that he can handle the class difference.

"I wouldn't have come here if I didn't have the ambition to get into the first team," he said. "I know it's going to be hard, because there is a lot of excellent competition for places.

"But I am looking to improve my game and try to establish my name at Blackburn." The utility man, who prefers the left back position if he is given a choice, was clearly impressed by Rovers boss Ray Harford when he went to last year's under-21 tournament in Toulon with England.

"We had 10 days out there and it was good experience," he said.

"I got to know Ray and I learned a bit about how he likes his teams to play.

"We only had a limited time and a limited squad, because there was a game against Latvia (at Turf Moor) at the same time.

"But Ray got the team playing good football and we got to the semi-finals which, in the circumstances, was an achievement."

Harford was delighted to complete the signing of Croft, a player who has been watched by a number of Premiership clubs, notably Spurs.

"He gives us more competition for the defensive positions and is very good technically, adept on both left and right sides," said the manager.

"We knew about him even before the under-21 tournament and we have kept an eye on the situation. Most people in the game know about him."

Paul Warhurst is hoping to restart training some time next week, with his rib injury having settled down

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