ROVERS have announced that goalkeeper David Raya has signed a new deal at the club.

The Spaniard has agreed a new three-and-a-half-year contract, which will keep him at Ewood Park until the summer of 2021.

Raya had previously penned a contract extension in March 2017 which ran to the summer of 2019, but the new deal will likely reflect his standing as the club’s undisputed number one.

Raya, aged 22, has started every league game this season having risen through the club’s ranks since arriving at the age of 16.

“I’m obviously very pleased to extend my stay here. I’m very happy and grateful to the gaffer and the club for giving me the chance to carry on playing for this fantastic club,” Raya said.

“I’ve been here for six years, so I’ve always said it feels like home.

“It was always my intention to sign a new deal. I’m happy, we’re doing well, I’m settled here and I’m very happy that the gaffer gave me the chance to keep playing.”

After making a name for himself during a successful loan spell with Southport during the 2014/15 season, Raya has had to wait patiently for a regular run of games in a Rovers shirt.

His chance came when Jason Steele left for Sunderland in the summer, with Raya being handed the gloves by boss Tony Mowbray having played the final five matches of last season.

He added: “My last spell playing regularly was when I was on loan at Southport, so I wanted to experience that again and I’m really enjoying it.

“That was my aim this season, to take the number one spot and play a full season.

“You always have to work hard, but knowing that I was going to play every week, it gives you that extra motivation to do even better.

“I feel like I’ve improved quite a lot this season. Having played 29 league games, plus two in the cup, that’s only going to make me a better player and give me more experience.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is having composure. Obviously everybody makes mistakes and I’ve made a few, but I’ve not made massive mistakes one after the other, so it’s all about keeping a cool head and not thinking about it too much.

“If you don’t make mistakes then you’re never going to learn, so it’s important to take the positives from it, keep a cool head and that way you’ll grow as a player.”