Blackburn Rovers: Ryan Hedges on extra responsibility

It is rare to be the oldest member of a squad at 28, but that is exactly what has happened to Ryan Hedges at Rovers.

Thomas Kaminski was previously the most senior player at Ewood Park prior to his move to Premier League newcomers Luton Town.

Hedges is embracing the responsibility and hopes he can set a good example for the club’s young prospects over the coming season.

“Now TK has left, I am the oldest player in the building,” he said. “It is something that has fallen on my shoulders, it would not normally happen at other clubs.

“But the senior lads have taken it on board and really shown that we can lead and set a good example to the youngsters coming through.

“Last when with Trav (Lewis Travis) as captain and then Dom Hyam stepping in when he wasn’t starting.

 

“Those two are key characters in the squad as well as myself, Sammie Szmodics, Gally (Sam Gallagher) and Scott Wharton captained the team against Walsall.

“There is a lot of experience in the young players as well, looking at Bucko (John Buckley) and players like him who have already played 50 to 100 games for Blackburn. It puts us in good stead for this season.”

Hedges set up Zak Gilsenan and Niall Ennis’ goals during the 4-3 victory against Walsall in the Carabao Cup opening round.

He is keen to make an impact in the final third by adding more goals and assists to his game in the coming weeks and months.

“That is something we have been trying to work on – getting into better positions and trying to get my numbers up for goals and assists,” he added.

“It was nice to get a couple of assists and I just need to keep adding more to my game.

“Obviously, we have lost Bez (Ben Brereton) and Bradley Dack – two main goal threats for us.

“It’s now up to the lads in the building to help fill that void. Getting four goals was a good way to start.”

 

Seven Academy graduates started against the Saddlers and the Welshman was impressed with his young team-mates.

He hopes the likes of Adam Wharton, Jake Batty and Zak Gilsenan can continue to improve over the coming season.

“It was a good chance to showcase what the lads can do,” Hedges explained. “The front three all got goals and assists, which is really nice to see.

“Defensively, I thought we were strong in most of the parts even though we conceded three. I felt we dominated the game.

 

“Ash Phillips is a great example that if you come in and do well, you can go on to the Premier League.

“Hopefully, Adam, Jake and Zak can do that with Blackburn. It is a great showcase for the club that players can go on to do great things.”