DAMIEN Johnson has spoken of his pride after returning ‘home’ to Blackburn Rovers.

Johnson, who rose through the ranks at Brockhall and went on to make 81 appearances for the club between 1997 and 2002, is Rovers’ new under 14s coach.

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And the former Northern Ireland international, who helped the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2001, could not contain his delight after becoming Eric Kinder’s first appointment since taking over the Academy.

Johnson, 36, said: “It feels like just yesterday that I was here and I can’t tell you how happy and pleased I am to be back.

“I finished playing last season so I’ve been doing my badges and getting some experience assisting at various clubs.

“I’ve just been desperate for an opportunity to come into Rovers and thankfully an opportunity has come up and Eric has been kind enough to offer me the role.

“It was always a legacy of Jack Walker’s that he had a youth system and the club was producing their own players and I know Eric’s passionate about that.

“I've been through the doors here and learnt all my education and values here and it’s stood me in good stead for my whole career.

“Blackburn is my club so I’m absolutely delighted with the opportunity that Eric has given me to come back and contribute.”

Johnson, who won 56 international caps, made 214 appearances for Birmingham City after leaving Ewood Park and twice helped the club win promotion to the Premier League.

He also won promotion to the Championship, alongside current Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes, at Huddersfield Town, before joining his final club, Fleetwood Town.

Kinder said: “Damien’s such a likeable person, very knowledgeable, he’s done all his coaching qualifications and his desire to come in and start with a younger age group and learn and develop is a joy to hear.

“Although Damien is originally from Northern Ireland, he’s a Blackburn Rovers fan and this club means a lot to him, so I’m absolutely delighted he’s come on board with us.”