BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Jonathon Douglas has set his sights on a regular first team place after committing his long-term future to the club.

Douglas finally put pen to paper on a brand new three year contract yesterday - just six months after snubbing a move to Second Division Blackpool.

And the softly-spoken Republic of Ireland international then warned his rivals for a midfield berth that his ambitions extend far beyond making up the numbers next season.

"Hopefully, I can start getting involved more next season," said Douglas, who has committed himself to Rovers until the summer of 2007.

"I started a few games towards the end of last season so if I keep working hard and stay injury free then hopefully I'll play some more games next season.

"I'm looking forward to playing - that's what everyone wants to do.

"You don't want to be sitting on the bench or sitting in the stand because everyone wants to play.

"But only 11 can start and if the gaffer picks me then great and if he doesn't then I won't go crying about it.

"I've just got to get on, work hard, and look to improve as a player."

Douglas made a big impression last season when he answered an SOS from Graeme Souness during the throes of an injury crisis.

The 22-year-old former Academy starlet became a virtual ever present in the side during the second half of the season, making 14 Premiership appearances as Rovers successfully staved off the threat of relegation.

That prompted Souness to offer Douglas a new deal at the end of the season and although it took several weeks to iron out the finer details, the young Irishman insists it was always his intention to stay.

"There was never any doubt that I wanted to stay here," said Douglas.

"There was just a few different bits and pieces which we needed to sort out and, time wise, I've been away with the international team so it's taken a while to sort everything out.

"But it's finally done and dusted and I can now start looking forward to next season."

Douglas knows the scrap for midfield places is likely to be tougher than ever when pre-season training gets underway next month as David Thompson and Barry Ferguson should both be ready to return to the fray.

But he's not fazed by the challenges which lie ahead and, if anything, he's more determined than ever to prove his worth to Graeme Souness.

"It's great for the club to have those two back. It will feel like two new signings for us because they've been out for such a long time," said Douglas.

"So there's going to be lots of players fighting for positions but if I keep working hard then hopefully the gaffer will give me the nod.

"I've grown up playing in a number of positions but I don't mind where, as long as the gaffer gives me the nod.

"At the end of the day, I'll play anywhere. It would just be nice to get a few games."

Meanwhile, Rovers striker Dwight Yorke is thought to be a target for top Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

Yorke has been told he can leave Rovers this summer and one last pay-day in the Middle East may well appeal to the player.

In the meantime, Rovers have rejected a bid from Wigan for their transfer-listed defender Andy Todd.

The Latics' offer did not meet Rovers' valuation of the player.