Igor Tyjon is targeting regular minutes in the Championship after Blackburn Rovers fought off fierce competition to sign him as a scholar.

The forward has been the subject of plenty of Premier League interest but opted to remain at Ewood Park, penning a two-year scholarship deal. Rovers can offer him a first professional contract when he turns 17 next March.

Tyjon has been fast-tracked through the Academy after joining from Rochdale last summer. It's been a whirlwind 12 months for the 16-year-old.

"I'm very happy to sign the deal, I am loving it at the moment," he told RoversTV.

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"I haven't paid much attention to the speculation, I am here to play football, other people take care of that. I'm delighted to be here and grateful to have the opportunity.

"I came here a year ago, I got the opportunity to train with the first team. It's started well again this season, training with the first team again for pre-season and I hope it carries on.

"It has been crazy. I've been in the 16s, 18s, 21s, first team. I have loved every single minute of it. It has helped to build my confidence and I'm now at the stage where I want to play for the first team and do that regularly.

"I'd have never expected that 12 months ago. This last year has gone so fast, I've taken it all step by step."

Tyjon's story is one of perseverance, having been rejected from several trials earlier in his career. The opportunity and pathway at Blackburn Rovers was one which he immediately jumped at.

"From a young age, I knew I had something but I went on a lot of trials and nobody wanted me," he explained.

"I was sad at the time. I thought I was good enough but other clubs didn't think that. I carried on and it got me to the stage where I'm playing for Blackburn Rovers.

"I've always had confidence in my ability. I know what I am about, I know what I can do. I can show it and that's been great.

"Three years ago, Rochdale came in and I was there for a year. Then Blackburn came in. I was buzzing when that happened, I really was.

"I know the history of Blackburn Rovers, they're a good team. They have a good pathway so I couldn't turn it down.

"The Academy plays a massive part, it's one of the main reasons I came here. You have so many good examples like Adam Wharton, how you go from the Academy to the first team.

"That is what drove me to the football club. The pathway is brilliant here and it plays a huge part in attracting young prospects."

Tyjon is training with the Rovers first team for pre-season and could feature in Saturday's friendly at Accrington Stanley.

The goal for the young forward is to impress John Eustace and ensure he remains part of the plans when August rolls around.

"Now I want to get regular starts in that first team which I hope I can do. It's very different from 18s, 21s, it's a lot quicker and sharper, you have to get used to it," he added.

"It's more demanding but once you're used to it, you get better from there.

"I want to bring goals and assists and I'm all about winning games. I want to get through pre-season with no injuries, play every minute and impress the gaffer.

"If I do, it gives me a good chance when the season begins."