Blackburn Rovers Football Club

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31367

Kalinic eyes major Rovers role

16 Jun 2010 - 12:08:00

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Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic is determined to become a big success in the Premier League next season with Blackburn Rovers.

The 22-year-old netted seven goals in 33 appearances in his first season in England, but expects to play a much greater role for Sam Allardyce's side next term.

He told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "Of course I am looking forward to the new season and the chance to prove I am capable of playing in the Premier League regularly as a main striker.

"I am willing to work hard to go a step further now, because I want to become the first striker at Blackburn Rovers. I know that will not be easy but I believe with hard work that is possible.

"Last season went according to expectations for me. I was told when I made the transfer from Croatia to Blackburn, I would not be ready for the first team for the first six months.

"I understood that as I had to get used to the new league and get myself strong enough.

"I was patient for the first six months and just accepted I would not play all the time, but that I would do my best when I did.

"Last season actually went better than I expected, because I played more games towards the end and scored a few goals."