Blackburn star on Burnley mentality, chant and Leeds needle

The midfielder will get a first taste of an East Lancs derby at Ewood Park this weekend as he leads his team into battle. Once described as 'underrated', Tronstad is anything but under the radar after his stellar form this season.

So much so, he is the latest player to earn his own chant. An earworm that has been belted out in the concourse, fans' kitchens and indeed, the dressing room.

"I'm very much looking forward to it, it will be a proud moment to lead the team out," Tronstad said.

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"It's our biggest game, a massive one. We are all ready and we want to beat them. Everyone at the club does and we're very excited for it.

"The fans have been great and the support is getting better and better. Everyone wants to play in a sold-out stadium. We know it's not easy to do that and we really appreciate it."

"It's good! I appreciate the chant, it means a lot," he added on his new chant.

"Some of the players have been singing at me and in the dressing room, it's special to have a song.

"I feel good at the moment, maybe it's the best form of my career but I feel very happy and at home here. I'm comfortable and really enjoying it. I can always get better and I want to do that every day."

The character and spirit within the football club from terraces to staff and players has been transformed in 11 months. That is shown by a capacity crowd parting with £35 to fill Ewood Park despite the kick-off change and TV coverage.

Even when performances aren't stellar, the floor of Rovers is so much higher. It's a team that can dig in and grind points, as well as entertain and excite. Arte et Labore.

"The group we have now is brilliant, the staff and the players," he said.

"We know how to play and frustrate the opponent. Even if we're not playing good in moments, we can defend and make sure we get points.

"We've had time to work on it and it's been so helpful this season. It's very important in a 46-game season, you won't always be at your best. The best teams find a way to win or get results and that's a big difference compared to last year.

"The atmosphere and team spirit is great. All the players, staff and the fans we feel together. It feels special and that shows on the pitch."

Whilst Rovers are winless four, the late comeback against Leeds United led to celebrations befitting of victory. It was a timely shot in the arm before the final leg of this five-game sprint over the festive period.

"We were very happy with that, I don't think it was a penalty," he admitted.

"It was a good reaction to come back from that, a lovely set-piece goal and the celebrations were brilliant. Especially Leeds don't like playing against us.

"Too much chatting (gestures), you know. That's why it was so nice to get a goal and a few of us went up to the striker and gave him a little bit.

"When you score that late having conceded so late, it feels like a win."

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