Sondre’s fighting spirit suits Championship challenge

Sondre Tronstad will train with his new team-mates for the first time today, as he officially becomes a Blackburn Rovers player.

The Norway international has joined Rovers on a three-year deal from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, as he looks to crack English football at the second time of asking.

The all-action midfielder spent time with Huddersfield Town in his formative years, but returned to Norway having been unable to make his mark on these shores.

Now 27, and with over 200 games to his name, Tronstad believes he is returning to England a much more mature player, with some fantastic experiences under his belt.

“I was younger when I was at Huddersfield,” he said. “I was only 18 and it was a real learning curve there because I didn’t play in the first team and spent more time in the second team.

“That was still an experience for me though as I was 18, young and maybe a little bit stupid, because I didn’t know much about life!

“To go there, it made me more like a man, that’s what I’d say.

“I didn’t have much playing time before I even went to Huddersfield, but the last seven or eight years have changed and I’ve played lots of games, which has made me a better player.

“I’ve had some amazing times in those years, playing against big teams in Europe, sides like Tottenham and Roma especially.

“I did well in those games and it was good to see that level and to see where you are in those games.

“I really enjoyed my time at Vitesse. I had three-and-a-half years there, a lot of successful years, but now it’s time for a new challenge and I’m really looking to starting here.”

Tronstad’s new challenge is a gruelling Championship campaign, which gets underway with the visit of West Bromwich Albion to Ewood Park five weeks today.

But the 27-year-old believes he has all the right attributes to cope with the demands of the division, particularly his winning mentality and never-say-die fighting spirit.

“I think the Championship is a good level and I think it will suit me,” he added.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and he’s told me about the playing style, the way he wants Blackburn Rovers to play and he also wanted to know a little bit more about me. We had a really good chat.

“I’m a technical footballer, I’m good at passing and I think I’m good defensively as well.

“I also like to run a lot and fight for the team. I never give up.

“It’s the same in training, not only in games. I want to win every single day in training, that’s important to me.

“I’ve scored some great goals in my career from 20 or 25 yards as well!”