CORRY Evans is determined to play his part in helping Paul Lambert’s Blackburn Rovers return to the Premier League after signing a new contract with the club.

The midfielder put pen to paper on a new three-and-a-half year deal on Thursday night and immediately set his sights on helping Rovers end their top-flight exile.

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The Ewood Park outfit, who make the short trip to Preston North End today, are currently 11 points behind the play-off places after a run of results which cost Gary Bowyer his job.

But with optimism sweeping through the club and fan base after the appointment of Lambert, Evans believes there are exciting times ahead.

“Gary did a great job and I’ll be forever thankful to him for bringing me to Blackburn and how he treated me was great,” said the 25-year-old, a £600,000 Bowyer signing from Hull City in August 2013.

“It was sad to see him go but we’re looking forward to working with the new manager now.

“The past few days have been really enjoyable in training, all the players are having a go and we’re looking forward to what lies ahead.

“The new manager has been clear from day one with what he wants. He came in and told the lads what he expects and everyone has taken that on board so far.

“We’re all hungry to try and take this club back to where it belongs and hopefully, under the new manager, we can get there.”

Evans has made 75 appearances and scored two goals since his arrival from Hull, where he won promotion to the Premier League.

After a strong start to the season Bowyer credited the Northern Ireland international, who last month helped his country qualify for Euro 2016, with playing some of the best football of his Rovers career.

And ex-Manchester United trainee Evans, who was set to be out of contract in the summer, said: “From the first minute I walked through the door, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time and I’m looking forward to the future.

“It’s a great club to play for and going to Brockhall every day for training is a great place to go to work.

“Everyone around the club has been great with me, the fans have been great, so I’ve really enjoyed my time.

“It’s probably one of the longest spells I’ve been at a club in my professional career, so it does feel like home. I’m really settled where I am and I really enjoy playing here.”