Leon Best targets first-team place

Blackburn Rovers striker Leon Best has admitted that he is relishing the prospect of breaking into the first team following a long-term injury.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Rovers from Newcastle United in the summer, but suffered a cruciate ligament injury in pre-season.

Since then, Rovers have acquired a number of forward options, but the 26-year-old is confident that he can win a place in the side.

"It has been a long time coming, it feels great to be back and it is just a matter of being fit now. It feels good. I need to get my fitness up for a game," he told reporters.

"Maybe a few 20 minutes here and there in a reserve game or two and then back in the first team. I will be breathing down their necks soon enough.

"A few days here and there I have been in pain and come in stressed, just through wanting to be back so much, but now I am back, all my tests have come out good and I am stronger than I was before."

Best has seven international caps to his name.