Dom Hyam insists Blackburn Rovers have aspirations to get promoted this season and don't want to simply tread water in the Championship.

Rovers have started the season positively with four points from their opening two games. However, there are big boots to fill with Sam Szmodics departing.

The goals will have to be shared better this time around whilst John Eustace still hopes for four additions in the final week of the transfer window.

Hyam, who believes Rovers are now a much tighter unit, reiterated the group are aiming high this year. The 28-year-old has experienced two contrasting seasons at Ewood Park, narrowly missing out on the play-offs and then escaping relegation.

READ MORE: EUSTACE MAKES FEELINGS CLEAR ABOUT POSSIBLE ROVERS EXITS

"I take it home with me, it's one of those things that I am trying to work on, getting back to me off the pitch," he told The Lancashire Telegraph on the defensive improvements.

"It affects me and I do care but the gaffer has said we've done well, six clean sheets in 10 to end last season. These nil-nils and 1-0s add up and help build some momentum and it helped keep us in the division.

"It was massive for us. The lads we've signed are all great lads and plenty of them have experience which we can learn from."

He added: "We're ambitious, we don't want to just stay up or just be better than last year.

"We want to push high up the division and try to challenge up there. There is no point just trying to be safe or a little bit better.

"We all want to do well and we all want to get promoted. We know it's down to us and our hard work on the training pitch. We are looking up."

Hyam has missed at least a month of the last two campaigns with a reoccurring ankle issue. He was thrown back into the thick too quickly, in December on his return and his performances did suffer. He insists that he's now back to full sharpness.

"I am all good. I came back from my ankle injury in December quite quickly," he reflected.

"I have strengthened it over the summer and I've been doing a lot of work with the physios to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"I am feeling good, feeling sharp. Maybe it was on my mind to start with. I was thrown in the thick of it as soon as I was back. We didn't have the luxury of seven centre-backs to choose from at the time.

"Looking back, maybe it was...not rushed but we could've taken more time in an ideal world. But the world isn't ideal. You get on with it."

Hyam confirmed The Lancashire Telegraph's report that he has one year left on his contract, plus the option of an extra 12 months. As a result, no talks have yet taken place.

"My immediate plans are to stay in the team, do as well as I can and win games," he said.

"I have this year and I have an option year. I don't have anything to add really, it's still a long time.

"I haven't had any talks, I love it here and hopefully that can continue as long as it can. If the club are open to it, I'm open to it. I've loved it here so far."

Lewis Travis' January exit handed Hyam the captaincy on a full-time basis to end last season. He insists that, despite the armband returning to the midfielder, his game is completely unaffected.

"I don't know the whole situation with Trav leaving in January and the previous manager," he explained.

"Trav's been my captain and I respect the manager's decision with it. He's taken his time and it doesn't change how I play. I'm a professional.

"I'm not down about it, I'm a leader still in myself. I don't really have any thoughts about it, as long as I'm available I'll do my best for the team.

"Sometimes it can help to concentrate on your own game. It doesn't impact how I'll play, with or without it. Trav's a great lad and he has my full backing."