Sean McLoughlin on Blackburn Rovers switch and Ismael impact...

After completing his transfer from Hull City, Sean McLoughlin is eager to start working with his new Rovers

teammates.

McLoughlin, who signed a two-year contract at Ewood Park, will now have the opportunity to spend some useful

time in Spain with the team.

As they get ready for the new Championship season, Rovers have a couple of friendlies against Elche on Friday and

Qatar SC on Tuesday at 6 p.m. UK time.

“To be fair, it’s a good time,” the new signee stated. It’s clear that they spent a few weeks together during the preseason.

“It’s a good thing to be able to go away and spend some time getting to know them.”

“I’ve obviously not done this in six years, so I’m not used to coming to a new place. Being the new guy is weird, but

the guys there are really friendly, based on my conversations. I’m confident I’ll fit in quickly.

After nearly making a transfer a year earlier, the Irishman admitted he had interest elsewhere but ultimately decided

Rovers was his preferred pick.

He recalls, “My agent called me and said that Blackburn Rovers were interested, but there were one or two that were

interested.”

“I told them that I would prefer to go to that club out of all the clubs, and fortunately, it worked out.”

“The talks that I had with Hull, they kind of left the door open to move,” the defender continued.

“I suppose it was time for me to move on, even though I had some wonderful memories during my six years there. I

was eager to complete it when Blackburn Rovers rekindled their interest.

“I’m obviously grateful for the past six years, and I have nothing but positive things to say about Hull and how they

treated me.”

McLoughlin is primarily a centre-back but is also comfortable at left-back, and the new recruit reckons his versatility

can stand him in good stead at Ewood Park.

“I have played a lot of games at left-back too and I am always prepared to help the team, whatever position I play in,”

he said.

“I am coming here with my work cut out for me, and healthy competition is essential for any successful team.

“To prove to the manager that I deserve to play, I must earn the jersey and perform well in training.”

Before moving to Lancashire, the Irishman had a conversation with Valerien Ismael, and he is eager to work under

the head coach.

“He seems like a really nice guy, calm but very driven, and I’m sure he drives the standards on the training pitch,” I

said when I spoke with him prior to coming here. He remarked, “I am excited to collaborate with him.”

He simply wants me to stay true to who I am and keep doing what I’m doing. I certainly have a lot of experience at

this level, and my main goal is to contribute to the team.

“I saw a little bit of his personality [against Everton] and the setup of the team. I’m hoping to fit in, get better, and

contribute to the team’s improvement.

Sportupdates