Sam Szmodics has admitted it would be a 'dream' to play in the Premier League and backed himself to make the step up.

Blackburn Rovers' star man has plundered 30 goals in all competitions, becoming the first player to reach that landmark since Alan Shearer in 1996.

Szmodics top the Championship scoring charts with 24 and, naturally, there be interest in his signature this summer. He has already been linked with Premier League moves and interest from Scotland's big two.

However, Rovers have the 28-year-old tied down until 2026, with a further year option, and hold all the cards in any future negotiations.

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Asked about his desire to play at the top level, Szmodics understandably admitted he would love to test himself against the very best in England.

“I would like to think so (make the step up). It is obviously about getting that opportunity and chance to do so," Szmodics told TalkSPORT at the EFL Awards.

"Hopefully, I have shown people who doubted me in the Championship that I can make that step up and do it at this level. We will see what the future holds, but obviously it is everyone’s dream to play in the Premier League and hopefully I can do that.”

Szmodics' journey through the EFL is a real success story. He was still playing at Colchester United in League Two at 24 before struggling at Bristol City in a big-money move.

To have gone from a relegated Peterborough United side to the top of the Championship scoring charts in two years further underlines his development. 

“It is a bit of a pinch-myself moment. I know I can score goals at any level but if someone said to me I would score 30, it is a dream really," Szmodics said.

"It has been an up-and-down season for Blackburn but on a personal note, it has been my best season to date. Hopefully, I can add many more in the last three games.

“John Eustace has come in and done really well, shored it up at the back. I have carried on scoring goals and it has helped. With the big win at Leeds, hopefully, a couple more points on the board and we will be safe.”

He added: “It would be stupid for me to say I wasn’t doubting myself. I went to Bristol City from Colchester as a young lad for £1million and found the step up hard. 

"I still believe that I should have been given a chance and that is football. Looking back, maybe I wouldn’t be in this position if it had worked out at Bristol City. My journey has been from Colchester in League Two on loan to Braintree in the National League. 

"Standing here as top scorer in the Championship is something I never thought I would do and achieve. Hopefully, I can add a few more to the tally and finish off a good season for me.”