Harry Leonard can’t wait to be back involved at Rovers – and has been encouraged by the club’s start to the season.

John Eustace’s men have taken eight points from their opening four matches in the Championship, including wins against Derby and Oxford.

Leonard has been out of action since January due to injury and is hungry to contribute on the pitch upon his return.

“I have been really impressed watching from the sidelines,” the 20-year-old forward told RoversTV.

“The lads have started really well and it is good to see some new faces. It is refreshing to see, especially as an attacking player.

“I have missed that feeling of scoring a goal or just stepping out there with the lads and seeing the fans. It makes you hungrier.”

He added: “I think you have got to look at the positives. When I return, I will have probably missed about six months but only three months during the season.

“They are little positives, I will only have missed five or six games of this campaign. I am really looking forward to being back and kicking on.”

Leonard is optimistic he isn’t far off a return to full fitness, but Rovers will be cautious with the youngster after two separate spells on the sidelines since the turn of the year.

“I would probably say not long after the international break,” he explained. “I will probably have to build up my minutes and have a good week or two in training with the lads.

“Not far at all, maybe two or three weeks. I don’t want to rush it, obviously I have been out for a long period of time and the last thing I would want to do is rush back and break down.

“It is hard holding myself back because I just want to get back out there. It won’t be long and I can’t wait.

“I have had a long time to get my body right and I do feel good, I feel fit. The last thing I would want is to get another injury.

“My shoulder feels really good, it has given my previous back injury a bit of extra time to get back to itself. The body is good and I can’t wait.”

The striker also revealed there had been interest in his services over a potential loan move, but Leonard believes Ewood Park is still the best place for his development.

“Obviously, we have a fair few signings and some really good players have come through the door,” he said.

“We have started the season really well. I did have a fair bit of interest in terms of going out on loan.

“I spoke to the club and at this time in my career, obviously I have had quite a bit of time off the pitch.

“Blackburn is the place where I want to develop, try to get games under my belt and score as many goals as possible.

“I think there was a bit of interest and obviously first team football at my age is vital. You want to be playing when you are young.

“But under the circumstances, coming back from injury, I think it was right to stick it out and hopefully I can kick on at Blackburn.”