Pre-season looks a lot different for Sondre Tronstad compared to 12 months ago.

Last year, the midfielder was adjusting to life back in England after joining on a free transfer from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem.

He had a spell at Huddersfield as a youngster but it was still a big transition after seven years out of the country.

Tronstad had to be patient during his early months at Ewood Park but went on to become a key member of the squad as John Eustace’s men maintained their Championship status.

The 28-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring once, and was named Newcomer of the Season at the club’s awards night in April.

Now, he is settled in East Lancashire and hopes to pick up where he left off when the new campaign gets under way.

Tronstad is also one of the more experienced members of the Rovers squad and wants to use the knowledge he has gained over the years to help the club’s young talent.

“It feels totally different for me now compared to last summer,” he told RoversTV.

“When you’re a new player, you have to adapt to a few things in those first few weeks and need to get used to pre-season in a new environment.

“I've been here for a year now and I feel great amongst the group we have. 

“I like being seen as a leader in the squad. We all have to show leadership every day in training, especially us experienced players.

“I’m trying to do that as well as focusing on myself and seeing how I can improve as a player. I want to help myself but I also want to make sure the team is getting better as well.”

Tronstad has already got some valuable minutes under his belt during pre-season as the Championship opener against Derby County edges closer.

The Norwegian played 60 minutes against Nurnberg last week as Eustace’s squad got a good workout against Bundesliga 2 opposition.

He was also involved against Accrington Stanley and Tranmere Rovers in recent weeks, playing alongside Lewis Travis and Joe Rankin-Costello in the middle of the pitch.