Yasin Ayari believes his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers has set him up for success, even if he didn't leave Ewood Park as a regular.

The midfielder signed on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January but his impact was limited. In truth, it wasn't the ideal environment for a young player to make their mark, with Rovers changing head coach and then entrenched in a relegation battle.

Despite the loan not appearing a roaring success by usual metrics, Ayari believes the spell away had plenty of benefits that are often intangible.

“Maybe it wasn’t the best loan spell if you talk about the performance on the pitch and everything but I think I’ve developed so much outside the pitch," he told the Argus.

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“My mentality and how it is to live outside Brighton, outside of my family and everything. Now when I came back I feel more prepared, I feel like a man.

“I feel like I’m ready now to take the next step.”

Ayari has impressed in pre-season and featured for the Seagulls in the Premier League already this term. Whilst Rovers might not have seen the best of him, Brighton fans are excited by their early glimpses.

“I always believe in myself. I always think that if I get the chance, if I get the opportunity, I will show that I’m a good player because I believe in myself," he said.

“Now I’m getting the chances when people (the injured midfielders) are not here and I think I’m taking it.

“I always stay ready. Every training session I train like I’m going to start.
“Every time when I’m on the bench I try to see the opponent, how they play, the guy I’m playing against, how he’s moving.

“I prepare every time the day before, look at some videos and everything. I’m always prepared. I will do my thing, I will work as hard as possible.

“When I get my chances like today, I will try to show that I want to play and then we’ll see how far it goes.”