Grant Hanley plans to make the most of his regular run in the Blackburn side and start matching the standards set by his experienced colleagues.
Rovers youngster looking to build on impressive start to season
Grant Hanley plans to make the most of his regular run in the Blackburn starting XI and start matching the standards set by his experienced colleagues.
The 20-year-old has made seven starts for Rovers this season, meaning he has already matched his return for the 2010/11 campaign.
He was, however, returned to the bench on Saturday as Steve Kean's struggling outfit picked up a much-needed victory over Swansea.
The return to action of Chris Samba cost Hanley his place, with the youngster aware that competition at Ewood Park is fierce.
He is confident in his own ability, though, and hopes he can prove to Kean that he is deserving of a recall in the not too distant future.
Challenge
Hanley told the
Lancashire Telegraph: "The quality of centre-half that we have got at Blackburn is very high, you can name a long list of good defenders here and battling for places.
"I don't look at it as though they are in my way, though, I actually think it is good for me. It is a challenge because I have to look up at those players after everything they have achieved.
"For me personally, it is about trying to catch them up and then trying to overtake them.
"Everyone at Blackburn Rovers is brilliant with us younger lads. The older lads are brilliant with helping us with bits of advice.
"It is a great club to be at for players trying to make their way in the game."
Learning
Hanley has made steady strides forward since making his debut in the final game of the 2009/10 season.
He is, however, aware that he needs to continue working on his game if he is to add to his three senior caps for Scotland and become a Premier League mainstay.
He said: "I never really expected to play many games this season but I have played a few games already and that has been good for me.
"Playing for Scotland was brilliant because that was totally, totally unexpected. It was good for me and a great experience.
"All this has been a learning experience and I just have to learn from it all and kick on again."
