James Edmondson hopes to catch the eye of Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace in pre-season after committing his future to the club.

The teenager signed a new long-term deal with the club this week, tying him down until 2027.

Edmondson made his Rovers debut against Harrogate Town in an 8-0 Carabao Cup triumph under Jon Dahl Tomasson. It was an unforgettable night for the midfielder, who netted his first senior goal shortly after coming on.

Having been at the club since the age of six, there was little doubt in his mind about signing on. He's hoping for an even bigger year next season under Eustace.

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"It's been a joy to be here, I've been here three years and enjoyed my time here," he told RoversTV.

"It's been really good, coming in full-time, it's been great to be around the first team.

"It's a really good feeling, I've been here since I was six and I took a big step when I came to be with the first-team last pre-season.

"The season has been stop-start really. The first half was very good, getting the opportunities to train under the old manager and I was grateful for that.

"I enjoyed that step, I'm still transitioning to senior football. The speed is the biggest difference but it's great to be amongst the better lads.

"To train with them every day, watching them and learning is a great opportunity.

"I've not had my chance to show the new head coach what I'm capable of but when I'm back for pre-season, I should be able to hit the ground running and do that."

"That was my biggest aim and one of the best days of my life," he added on his debut.

"Hopefully, next season, I get that opportunity again and I can prove myself to the manager and the fans.

Just coming on, being told to have no fear and it was the best feeling. Once I scored, there was no feeling like it.

"Getting called over and told to get warmed up and ready, I had my Dad and Grandad in the crowd. My Grandad has been a big part, he's brought me since I was a kid.

"They've been up and down that motorway so much. My Mum was in tears after the game, I think my Grandad was too!

"As soon as I was on the pitch, I felt like I belonged there and I hope there's a lot more opportunities like that."

Rovers' Category 1 Academy continues to bear fruit for them, with Edmondson the latest to transition from 21s to first-team. Having watched all his team-mates come through, it's inspiration for him as well.

"It's an incredible achievement, to see all the lads that have come through all the age groups. Coming to this stage is a good feeling and I'm proud to be here.

"The academy is brilliant, as everyone knows. It's brought through some very good players and it will continue to do that. 

"Seeing those who have come through, I've been with them from day one to now. It's a great feeling that the academy has all the respect it deserves. 

"It's a great place to be. Looking at Jake Garrett and Harry Leonard getting their opportunities this season, you see Adam (Wharton) and Ash (Phillips) moving on to bigger Premier League things.

"It gives me the fill their footsteps and try to be the next one."