WINGER Josh King has expressed his frustration at a lack of playing time at Blackburn Rovers.

The 22-year-old Norwegian international ended last season in form and in Gary Bowyer’s side.

But since the current campaign kicked off King has been restricted to two starts.

And that led the former Manchester United flyer to airing his feelings to the media in his homeland following Norway’s defeat to England at Wembley on Wednesday.

“I did a very good pre-season and was surprised when I did not start the first match of the season against Cardiff,” said King, speaking after the match.

“I came back from holiday in good shape and heard from people in the team that I was one of the very best players in the running.

“It is very frustrating. The situation in Blackburn is very strange.

“Had I scored a hat-trick at Wembley, it is still not certain I would start for Blackburn in the next match.

“The coach has his reasons. I just have to respect them and keep working hard.”

King was an unused substitute in the opening day draw with Cardiff City at Ewood Park.

He did start Rovers’ next two games, the Capital One Cup home loss to Scunthorpe United and the league triumph at Blackpool.

But he was back on the bench for the home win over Bournemouth and away defeat to Norwich City before being ruled out of last Saturday’s loss at Wolves with what the club described as an illness.

King, however, recovered in time to face England on Wednesday and, in a lively second-half showing, he forced Joe Hart into a brace of saves before his former United colleague Wayne Rooney settled the friendly from the penalty spot.

“When I learned that I would start, I realised that I had the chance to show me up,” said King, who has 10 months remaining on the Rovers contract he signed in January 2013 after making the permanent move from Old Trafford.

“I knew that all of England would look at the game.

“Had I scored, it would have been even better, but hopefully I just saved a goal for the Italy match.”

King is expected to retain his place in the Norway team for their opening Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Italy on Tuesday.

The window for loan signings, meanwhile, opens on Monday.

It is understood that Rovers boss Gary Bowyer would like to make one further addition.

Bowyer bolstered his squad before the window for permanent signings shut on Monday with the capture of Shane Duffy on a three-year deal from Everton and the arrivals of Jason Steele and Ryan Tunnicliffe on season-long loans from Middlesbrough and Fulham respectively.