CRAIG Conway has warned Championship defences that Blackburn Rovers striker Rudy Gestede will only get better next season.

The towering targetman ended the campaign with a run of nine goals in eight starts and as the division’s player of the month for April.

But Conway, who made just as big an impact as the 25-year-old after following in his footsteps from Cardiff City in January, reckons there is much more to come.

“At the back end of the season Rudy was simply unplayable,” said the Scotland international.

“I’d have hated to be a defender playing against him.

“All I had to do was put the ball into the right area and he would do the rest as he was unstoppable.

“It was great to see as I know full well how much ability he’s got.

“He can be unbelievable and with another year’s experience under his belt he will only get better.”

Conway will also have high standards to maintain once the 2014-15 campaign kicks off on August 9.

The 29-year-old set up 12 goals – five for Gestede – and scored a further four following his bargain £100,000 move from Cardiff on January transfer deadline day.

“I just felt really good,” said Conway who, along with Gestede, helped Cardiff win the 2012-13 Championship title.

“I feel confident in my own ability and if I’m playing and getting a run of games I know I can do well.

“I’m happy and I’ve got to thank the players and the staff and everybody involved at the club because they have made me feel so welcome.

“I think I’d only been here a week and it felt as if I’d been here for years.

“If you and your family are settled it helps massively and it shows out on the park.

“It’s arguably the best football I’ve played.

“Last season, winning the Championship with Cardiff, was brilliant as I had a good run of games and set up goals.

“But I think consistency wise, and the volume of my assists, this season was the best I have played.

“Now the aim has got to be to try and keep that up going into next season.”

Rovers are being linked with an interest in Republic of Ireland under 21 international centre back John Egan, who has been released by Sunderland.

The 21-year-old spent the end of the season on loan at League Two side Southend, who are making attempts to sign Egan on a permanent deal.

Egan had loan spells with Crystal Palace and Sheffield United early in his professional career at Sunderland but later suffered a setback when he broke his leg while on loan at Bradford.