STEWART Downing is enjoying getting down to work after settling in following his move to Ewood Park.

As he has done with previous moves throughout his career, the new Rovers winger has relocated his family to move closer to his new footballing home.

The former England man was afforded extra time to do that by his new boss Tony Mowbray, the 34-year-old not making the trip to Austria for the club’s pre-season training camp.

His first day with his new team-mates came on Monday and having arrived from Middlesbrough on a free transfer, Downing is now looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“I obviously had a little more of an extended break than the other lads and it’s been good,” said the former Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham United man.

“I’ve been relocating the family down and getting settled.

“That’s a big thing before I start to work, we’re going to be doing long days for a couple of weeks and that’s a big thing off my shoulders.

“The club have been fantastic in that sense and the last few days have been really enjoyable.

“I’m just looking forward to the season starting now.”

While some players stay closer to home and take on lengthy car journeys to and from training on a daily basis, Downing sees plenty of benefits to moving around to suit his footballing needs.

It’s something that’s tried and tested during his time at the very top of the game, the left-footer winning 35 caps for his country.

“I’ve always done it,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a journeyman but I’ve had a few moves and I just think, the club’s put a lot of trust in you and you should only give that back.

“I don’t like doing the travelling either. It can be tiring in this league and I think you need as much rest as you can.

“I just like to be near to where I’m playing.

“You’re out of your comfort zone, you meet new people and that’s how I’ve always been.”

Downing had options as his second spell with his hometown club came to an end but says he feels like Ewood Park is somewhere he will like going to work.

“The biggest thing was to go somewhere and enjoy it,” he said.

“When we play football, yeah we train, we have a good life but you have got to enjoy it.

“It is like any job. There is no point doing it if you aren’t going to enjoy it.

“I had a good feeling about this place, the environment Tony creates here and I think I will enjoy it here.

“It’s a good group of lads here who all have the same ambition.

“We all work hard but also know when to have a laugh as well.”

Downing agreed a one-year contract at Ewood Park when putting pen to paper last month to become the first new arrival of the summer.