Blackburn defender Paul Downing believes he has developed during the 2017-18 season and is hoping to help the club achieve further success in the future.

The 26-year-old joined Blackburn from MK Dons on transfer deadline last summer and he played 28 times in their successful League One campaign.

His former clubs suffered relegation to the fourth-tier of English football, however, Downing’s season ended in celebration as Blackburn secured an immediate return to the Championship.

Blackburn earned promotion via the automatic route after finishing second, two points shy of Lancashire rivals Wigan.

Downing feels that Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has helped him to develop into a better player and has thanked the Lancashire outfit for bringing him in.

“When I look back to the first day or pre-season when I was with my old club, I feel I’ve really come a long way,” Downing said.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity I’ve had at this great football club.”

Rovers have endured a turbulent few years both on and off the field but Downing is hoping promotion brings about a more positive period.

The former West Brom academy graduate insists he is excited for the future and hopes they can go on to achieve further success.

He added: I’m looking forward to the future now. I’m really hopeful that this can just be the start of something great.

“Hopefully there are many more successful times to come for us.”