KEITH Andrews believes his exile to football’s lower leagues was the ‘best thing that could have happened’ after announcing himself to the Premier League in emphatic style.

Rovers’ Irish midfielder scored a stunning 89th minute equaliser in Saturday’s thrilling 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns and vowed afterwards not to squander his belated chance to carve a career in the top flight.

The former MK Dons man insists he never lost faith in his Premier League dream but admits a drop into League Two in 2006, after seven years in the Championship with Wolves and Hull, acted as a real wake-up call.

Making just his fourth Premier League start, the 28-year-old is fast proving his top-flight class and Saturday’s 25-yard thunderbolt was further justification for his own belief.

He said: “I have played in all four divisions and have had to drop down for various reasons. It was probably the best thing that happened to me.

"It was a reality check and brought my focus back. It showed me where I wanted to go in my career and thankfully it wasn't too late.

"I have thought for a long time I could play at a very good level but whether I could week in and week out in the Premiership was obviously up for debate because I have never done it before.

"But I am relishing this chance and it is one that I am not going to let go by the wayside through lack of effort."

Andrews' timely intervention came in the dying seconds of a match marred by a series of controversial refereeing decisions from Mike Jones.

Benni McCarthy opened the scoring from a harsh penalty before being sent off for a horrendous handball decision against him.

Roman Bednar and Ishmael Miller fired the hosts into a second half lead but Andrews' equaliser showed why Ince went back to MK Dons to revive their working relationship.

Andrews said: "It was very timely and a very important goal. I said only a few days ago it would come and that it was only a matter of time. I have confidence there are goals in me at this level.

"I have enjoyed every minute of it here. As soon as I came in I was heavily involved and then became cup-tied, came out of the team and players came in and did exceptionally well.

"I have had to bide my time but I love it. I love the day-to-day life, I love the challenge of playing with better players, and it is a chance I am relishing.

"I am not a kid any more and I understood I was not going to come here and be the first name on the team sheet, that is something I have to earn in time. Hopefully this will go some way to justifying that."

His elevation to the game's elite has finally brought with it international recognition but the midfielder prefers to keep quiet on his Irish aspirations.

A starring role for the Republic of Ireland B team saw him handed his first senior call-up last month, but he is still waiting for that first cap.

"The Irish call-up is something I have always had ambitions of," he said.

"I have told family and friends but I have always had a desire to play for my country.

"There is a friendly in the next few weeks and hopefully I might get a chance there.

"I am a patriotic man but it is not something I go shouting about.

"If and when it happens I will be the most proud person."