Wednesday 27 August 2014 15:08, UK
Alex Baptiste is hoping there will be a permanent deal to be done with Blackburn Rovers at the end of his season-long loan.
The versatile defender is to spend the 2014/15 campaign at Ewood Park after being allowed to move on by parent club Bolton Wanderers.
He has no intention of returning to the Macron Stadium, with his early experiences at Blackburn convincing him that he has found the right place for his future.
He deserves to play in the Premier League and our job is to help to get him there. That’s our aim and if Jordan is part of it, that would be unbelievable.
The 28-year-old said in the Lancashire Telegraph: “It’s fantastic, I love the place.
“The staff and the fans have been absolutely fantastic. I feel at home here, I couldn’t have asked for a better club.
“I don’t want to go back. I can definitely see a future here.
“The staff have been fantastic, the manager has been unbelievable, and I’m really enjoying my football again, which for the past 18 months I haven’t done. I am smiling again.
“I know it is early doors and I’ve still got to prove myself but if I could sign here then, yes, I’d snap their hands off.”
However long his stay at Blackburn lasts, Baptiste hopes he will be playing alongside Jordan Rhodes, with Rovers having fended off interest from Hull City to retain the prolific striker’s services.
He added: “He’s the best finisher in the Championship, every season he gets 25-30 goals, so we’d be delighted to keep him.
“He deserves to play in the Premier League and our job is to help to get him there.
“That’s our aim and if Jordan is part of it, that would be unbelievable.”
