BRADLEY Johnson hopes his Championship knowhow will serve Blackburn Rovers well next season.

The former Leeds United and Norwich City man has signed a two-year deal at Ewood Park on arriving from Derby on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, who has more than 500 career appearances to his name, played in the Rams’ play-off final defeat to Aston Villa in May and has been promoted to the Premier League with the Canaries.

Along with fellow new recruit, Stewart Downing, Johnson looks to have been earmarked to bring experience to an emerging Rovers squad that is looking to improve on 15th on their return to the second tier last season.

“It’s a young, talented team and with my experience I’m hoping I can bring a bit of knowledge of this league to the group,” said Johnson, who Derby paid £6 million for back in 2015.

“It’s a hard league, it’s one I’ve got promoted from, so hopefully I can pass on my experience to some of the young lads, let them express themselves and we can enjoy it together.

“I remember vividly coming to Blackburn on a Tuesday night last season and losing the game.

 “Rovers played very well and had some top players and that’s what excites me about coming here.

 “I saw then that it’s a team full of honest, young lads, who are hungry and work hard for each other, and I’m keen to get in the team and play my part.”

Johnson is no stranger to success against Rovers, scoring three times in eight appearances when facing his new employers down the years including in both games as Norwich were promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2015.

That year he was a team-mate of Ewood Park favourite Elliott Bennett with the pair reunited ahead of the new season.

“I’ve enjoyed playing against Rovers in the past and have scored against the club a few times,” Johnson told the club website.

“My aim now is to score goals for Rovers and help the team move forward.

“I still feel like I’ve got a long career ahead of me, I still think I can play many games, but I know how hard this league is.

“You have to be at the top of your game every week and I’m joining a good team, so I’m going to have to work hard to get into it, and then hopefully repay everyone with a few goals and a few wins.”

Johnson has been impressed with the ambition shown at Ewood Park as he hopes to help Rovers compete at the right end of the Championship next season.

“I feel the desire and the ambition here,” he said.

“The staff are ambitious and all work hard, I can see that already. Everyone’s excited about the new season.

“The size of the training ground is impressive. It’s a great place and I felt welcomed as soon as I walked through the doors.

“The lads and the staff seem like a tight-knit group, so I’m looking forward to being part of it.

“It’s a new challenge here and I’m hoping we can all be successful together.”