James Hill reckons the Championship is the place to be for any young player keen to prove themselves.

Hill joined Rovers on a season-long loan from Bournemouth on the penultimate day of the transfer window.

The England Under-21 defender is excited by the challenge ahead and hopes he can get regular minutes under his belt.

“Every player my age wants to play in the Championship,” he said. “To get that opportunity is quite an honour because you are getting that respect. It is physically demanding playing Saturday, Tuesday every week and staying fit.

“For me, trying to step towards that Premier League level – there are ‘Premier League teams’ in this league and it is very demanding.

“Playing week in, week out is going to be difficult for lads my age but these are the steps you have got to take.”

The 21-year-old believes Rovers’ style of play is a natural fit for his game and hopes it will help him settle in at Ewood Park.

Lancashire Telegraph: The defender will spend the remainder of the season at Ewood ParkThe defender will spend the remainder of the season at Ewood Park (Image: Rovers)

“It is similar to what Bournemouth are trying to implement at the moment – a fast style of play, wanting to build up with the ball and the way we press is very similar as well,” he continued.

“We want to win the ball back high up the pitch and don’t mind one-v-one battles towards the back end of the pitch.

“I am used to that and I have got the ability to deal with those situations. That is why I was drawn to this club and wanted to get involved.”

Hill revealed he spoke to ex-Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell ahead of his move to Ewood Park.

Rothwell, who was snapped up by the Cherries in the summer of 2022, gave his former club a glowing endorsement.

“I heard a lot from Joe, he speaks so highly of this football club,” the defender explained. “I spoke to him just before I left and he said how lovely all the staff are, and that the support is amazing.

“It is a great opportunity for me and I want to go back to Bournemouth and make an impression on the gaffer for next season.

“He said that if I do well here, I will get an opportunity to take steps in the direction I want to go in.”

Hill has already come up against Tyrhys Dolan and is now looking forward to playing alongside the speedy wideman.

“I was in one of the (England youth) camps with Tyrhys Dolan,” he stated.

“I used to play against him when he was at Preston North End before he made his move here, when I was at Fleetwood. I know him very well.

“Ethan Walker as well, he was at Preston, so they are the two boys I know. I am looking forward to getting to know the lads and become a part of this team.”