BLACKBURN Rovers striker Paul Gallagher believes he's now better equipped to challenge for a first team place following his experiences in the Championship with Stoke City last season.

The 21-year-old forward made a favourable impression during his loan spell with the Potters, notching 12 goals in 40 appearances to finish the season as the club's top scorer.

That rich vein of goalscoring form prompted Rovers manager Mark Hughes to recall Gallagher early from his stint at the Britannia and, although he only played a bit-part role in the final week of the season, the young Scot is already looking ahead to next term, when he hopes to nail down a regular place in the Rovers attack.

"When people come back off loan, they usually come back bigger and stronger and, for me, I reckon it's a big season next season, especially with the club back in Europe," said Gallagher.

"I've got to come back after the summer fresh and ready to go.

"I thought I did alright (at Stoke). I scored a few goals.

"I was playing on the left hand side, but since I've been back here I've been playing up front again, so that's another option for the manager.

"He knows I can play in different positions."

Gallagher admits he still has much to learn about what it takes to succeed in the Premiership, but, with a tutor like Hughes to teach him all he needs to know about the striker's art, he remains convinced he can make the breakthrough and become a regular in the manager's plans over the next 12 months.

"I'm only a young lad and I've still got a lot to learn," admitted Gallagher.

"But what a player Mark Hughes was, and what a manager to learn off.

"Then you've got players like Tugay and the other older ones - they pull you through."

Hughes sent Gallagher out on loan in the belief that regular first team football would help him to develop both mentally and physically, and after spending a season in the Championship, the Scotland international believes he's emerged a stronger character.

"That league (the Championship) is more of a kicking league than this one, but this league is a tough league - it's one of the best in the world," said Gallagher.

"I've had a few bumps and bruises, but that's what happens in football."

As for next season, Gallagher is relishing the chance to be part of Rovers' UEFA Cup campaign, and he would love the opportunity to play alongside Craig Bellamy.

"I played up front with Craig in pre-season. He's a great player and I'd love to be his strike-partner one day," added Gallagher.

"(As for the UEFA Cup) I played in Europe once when Graeme Souness was here. It was the game in Turkey (when Rovers were beaten by Genclerbirligi) but it was a really good experience.

"Hopefully, this time round we've got the players and the squad to do better."