Taylor Harwood-Bellis has labelled Blackburn Rovers as a 'sleeping giant' in English football.

The Manchester City defender has joined Rovers on loan until the end of this season.

Speaking to Blackburn's club media, the 19-year-old said: "I can't put into words how excited I am about the move.

"I know all about the history in the club and grew up during a period where Rovers were in the Premier League. It's an honour to play for a big club like this and I can't wait to get out there on the pitch. It's is a big club at the right end of the Championship with big aspirations.

"Rovers is a sleeping giant really, a club that wants to go up, it's a Premier League club really. To come here, to get experience at a big club, it's the right club for me to come to."

He continued: "I've played against Rovers at youth level plenty of times and they've always given us a run for our money and have been hardworking teams.

"I'm always saying to my friends and family how you thrive off playing first team football and want more of it. That's why I've chosen to come here to help and contribute to the group."