Rovers are pleased to announce that young midfielder Ben Paton has signed a professional contract with the club.

Capable of playing anywhere in midfield, Canadian youth international Paton put pen to paper this morning on an 18-month pro deal.

It marks the end of a long road for Ben, who initially joined the club on a week-long trial as a 15-year-old.

The Ontario-born player, who scored in pre-season wins against Darwen and Ramsbottom United in the summer, left friends and family behind in Canada to chase the dream of being a professional footballer, and has paised Rovers for taking him in and showing support.

“It’s great to sign for Blackburn," he said just a moment after putting pen to paper. "It’s such a great club that’s doing well in the first team and Under-23s. There’s a great atmosphere all around the club.

“The club has always been very supportive of me ever since I joined. I came over to England for a week and was offered a two-year scholarship. It was a big week for me, I was nervous, but it was a great experience.

“I made lots of sacrifices in moving away from home so to be offered a professional contract is the icing on the cake."

Now his first goal has been reached, 17-year-old Paton already has his eyes set on a first team place, but knows the only way he'll get there is impressing and rising through the ranks.

“The first target is to get back fit and then get back in the Under-23s," added Ben, who is currently recovering from a knee injury.

"Ultimately, I want to be playing for the first team.

“It’s disappointing to have missed the FA Youth Cup run, but I’m still a part of it and I will do my best to help and support the team from the sidelines."

Congratulations, Ben!