JAY Bothroyd has revealed how the new regime at Blackburn Rovers is making him blossom into a Premiership player.

The 22-year-old scored his first top flight goal on Saturday in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool to repay manager Mark Hughes for giving him his full debut.

And after Graeme Souness left for Newcastle just days after making Bothroyd his last signing of the transfer window, the striker was relieved to finally get his chance to impress the new boss.

"When the manager said I was playing I was buzzing," said Bothroyd. "I've been training hard and when I've come on from the bench I've done quite well.

"So I've got to say thanks to the gaffer and all the backroom staff he's brought with him.

"Since I've been here they have made me into a better player already so if I keep working hard, hopefully they'll select me again."

Bothroyd's reputation as a showman was left backstage at Ewood Park on Saturday as he tapped in a simple goal from inside the six-yard box - but he isn't willing to restrict himself to poaching in the area.

"As a forward, you're scoring, setting up and doing something for the team and that can be as good as a goal sometimes," said Bothroyd.

"Obviously, forwards want to get their names on the scoresheet because that's what forwards are based on, scoring goals.

"But if the team is doing well and we're winning and I'm doing well for the team, then I'll be happy."

Bothroyd sneaked ahead of Youri Djorkaeff, Jonathan Stead and Matt Jansen in the race to partner Paul Dickov up front and the results almost brought a second win of the season against the Reds.

However, the fact that they left the field disappointed only to have drawn is encouraging for a Blackburn side facing a month packed with games against teams also in the bottom half of the table.

Norwich are first up at Carrow Road on Saturday, but it's the home games that Bothroyd feels will be key to Rovers escaping the relegation zone.

He added: "Personally, my mentality is if we are playing at home we need to win games, it doesn't matter who comes here.

"I think that's the same as everyone else, we need to be difficult to beat at home and we're disappointed with the Liverpool result.

"But we've got Norwich on Saturday and that's what we have to look at now. We must forget the Liverpool game and look at the next one. That's what the good teams do."

Rovers Reserves face Wolves tonight at Morecambe's Christie Park, 7pm kick-off.

Academy stars Joe Garner and Zac Jones are included in the England Under 17 squad to face Hungary in Preston on November 17, kick off 7pm.