Lenni Cirino has signed a two-year professional deal with Rovers after impressing in the second half of the season for the Under-23s.

The left back starred in 11 appearances for Billy Barr’s side and has penned a contract through to 2023.

He is the latest member of the Rovers Academy to commit their future to the club, joining goalkeeper Aidan Dowling, midfielder Jared Harlock and attackers Zak Gilsenan and Alex Baker in signing pro deals.

A number of the Under-23s have also agreed new deals, with Dan Pike and Sam Burns both signing extensions, as Rovers look to tie down their best prospects.

Cirino, who has previously played for Manchester City and Liverpool, is looking to build on an excellent finish to the season at left back, and is delighted to take the next step in his career after four years with boyhood club Rovers.

“I’m absolutely delighted to stay here," he said.

“I’ve been here for the last four seasons, I’m a Blackburn lad, a Rovers fan and it’s a great feeling to sign a pro deal.

“This is my club, the team I want to play for and I’m so pleased to have signed a professional contract here.

“The last season was a big year for me. I moved up to the Under-23s and have had to adapt my game, but I feel I’ve done it well," he reflected.

“The next step is to carry on like that and progress even further to see how far I can get.”

Cirino is now looking to join the long list of players to have graduated through to the first-team from the Academy, and achieve his dream of scoring at Ewood Park.

"I owe so much to my grandad. He took me to football every week and I'm so appreciative that he did that for me,” he explained.

“The first team is my goal and to celebrate in front of the fans at Ewood is the dream for me.

“It’s clear that the manager wants to bring players through to the first team and hopefully I’m the next in line.”