Defender Paul Downing admits it was a great feeling after he sealed a permanent move to Blackburn Rovers as they try to earn promotion from League One.

Rovers, 1.36 to be promoted this season, have moved quickly to sign the 26-year-old. He had been on loan at Ewood Park from MK Dons but Downing admits it was always his intention to stay put.

Downing has signed a contract until June 2019 and the club have the option of a further 12 months on the deal.

After finalising the move on Monday, he told the club’s official website: “It’s a great feeling. I’m over the moon for it to all get signed.

“It gives me and the club some stability moving forward and I’m hoping for many successful times in the future.

“It’s one of the easiest decisions I’ve made. Ever since I signed on deadline day, it’s been an aspiration of mine to try and make it permanent.

“I’ve said many times how much I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and I just wanted that to continue, and I’m delighted it will do now.

“There’s a long way to go for me, I still feel there’s a lot of improvement. There’s a lot of competition for places here, so I can’t stop working hard and keep improving and trying to keep my place in the team.”

Downing will be hoping to help Blackburn bridge the gap to league-leaders Wigan, with Rovers 6.00 to win the League One title.