Gallagher has had loan spells with Stoke, Preston and Plymouth

Blackburn Rovers striker Paul Gallagher sees his return to the Premier League club as a fresh start.

The 24-year-old spent the whole of last season with Plymouth Argyle after being loaned out by then-manager Paul Ince.

The Scot told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I've been here a long time and have been on loan the last two seasons.

"Coming back here feels like I've come to a new club. I've got to get my head down and work hard and hopefully the rest will take care of itself."

Gallagher made his Blackburn debut in March 2003, but has failed to cement a regular place in the starting line-up under three different managers - Graeme Souness, Mark Hughes and Ince.

He hopes he can now force his way in under Sam Allardyce, despite it looking like his Rovers career may have been over at one point.

He said: "It was a bit of a surprise because at Christmas-time when the gaffer took over I hadn't spoken to him about his plans for me.

"The next thing I see on television is that they're willing to listen to offers. I don't know if it was a rumour or the gaffer actually said it.

"Since I've been back here he's said he's willing to give me that chance if I get my head down and work hard.

"He knows I've got the ability to be part of his team. So it's just down to me really. This is the fittest I've been and hopefully I can show that in every game I play."

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