Igor: I’ve loved every minute of being here!

Igor Tyjon admits enjoyment, opportunities and the pathway into the first-team are all key reasons for the youngster penning a deal to commit to Rovers.

Amidst plenty of speculation surrounding his future, the teenage starlet says there was no doubt in his mind that the best place for his development was to remain a Rover after a whirlwind 12 months at the club.

After arriving from Rochdale in the summer of 2023, the attacker, who only turned 16 in March, has gone from the Under-16s through to the first-team after impressing everyone throughout the youth ranks.

Even on his debut for the Under-21s, Tyjon scored one and provided two other goals in Rovers’ Premier League International Cup clash against PSV Eindhoven at Leyland last November.

He’s gone from strength to strength since then and was named on the bench towards the end of last season in the games against Bristol City at Ashton Gate and the win at Leicester City on the final day of the campaign.

Now, even at his tender age, he wants to make his debut at senior level and achieve much more with just over a month until the regular 2024-25 season begins.

“It feels very nice and I’m very happy to sign,” the young forward beamed to RoversTV after penning a two-year scholarship contract with the club through to June 2026.

“I’m loving it here at the moment and since coming here a year ago under Jon [Dahl Tomasson], I’ve had the opportunities to train with the first team.

“I’ve been with the first team again this season, I feel I’ve started well and I hope it can carry on.

“The last 12 months have been crazy! I’ve been everywhere! Under-16s, Under-18s, Under-21s, first team and loved every single minute of it.

“It’s built me up, it’s built my confidence up and I think I’m at that stage now where I want to get to the first team and I want to start playing regularly.

“These 12 months have shot up really quick and I’ve taken every step. It’s been about applying myself every day, training hard, putting in the gym work, doing the extras and wanting to make every minute count in getting better and better.

“I feel like I’ve not let anyone down since I’ve been here and that I’ve been performing very well. Now’s the time to get regular starts in the first team, which is what I want to do.

“I’ve learnt that the first team environment is very different and it’s something you have to get used to. It’s a lot quicker, sharper and more demanding, but it gets easier once you get going and get used to it.

“Learning from the likes of [Sam] Szmodics, especially after what he did last season, you can learn from him every day by what he does on and off the pitch. 

“I want to bring goals and assists, but winning games is what I’m all about. I want to get through pre-season with no injuries and I want to be part of every single minute. I want to impress the gaffer and, if I do, that will hopefully give me a good start for when the regular season begins.

“Training and games are two different things, so I can’t wait to get on the pitch and show what I’m all about.”