Getting to Know....Jamie Maclaren!

We have had a stellar run of Australians gracing the pitch at Ewood Park, Sas takes time out to Get to Know the latest emerging through the ranks.

Step up, Mr Maclaren!

1) Tell us a little about yourself Jamie! You took Rovers by storm at the tender age of 15 after a 2 week trial, how did you land at Ewood Park all the way from lovely Melbourne

Whilst I was in Melbourne, I was offered a trial in the UK, consisting of visits to Blackburn, Aston Villa and Celtic. The first two weeks of the spell was at Rovers where i participated in two fixtures for the Under 16/17s. The first was against Derby County where I was fortunate enough to score a brace, the second against Manchester United, a great match for myself where I managed to score a hattrick. Rovers put an offer on the table before I even had a chance to head to Villa, the rest is history

2) Scoring for fun by the looks of it. What do you classify as your strongest attribute and where do you think you can improve your game

Growing up, always wanting to play up front, I have always wanted to be the man finding the back of the net. I even convinced my father to buy a full size goal to place in the back yard. Day after day, I practiced finding the net. I feel my finishing is my strongest attribute whilst there is still a lot to improve in my all round play

3)Scotland or Australia! No ums or buts! Who will you be playing your senior international football for!

It was an absolute honour pulling on the Scotland jersey for my first Under 19 cap. My father was proud, I was proud and my family as well. However, when the call came from Australia for the AFC Under 19 qualifiers, I pounced and never looked back. I am 100% Australian and love wearing the Green and Gold, so will look for the call up to the Aussie Senior Squad once I am ready

4) Ewood Park has seen a number of Australians grace the pitch. Robbie Slater, John Filan, Vince Grella, Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton and now yourself and Seb Usai, who has already been called up to first squad duties. Have you received any advice from our former Aussies

Rovers does seem to be the destination for Aussies! I learnt a fair bit from Brett Emerton, on and off the pitch. A true all round professional. I connected really well with Vince whilst he was here, he made adapting from Victoria to Lancashire easy, lifting our spirits at all times. It was also an honour playing with him in the reserves, technically, the best player I have played with.

5) The name Maclaren is being murmured around, both at Rovers and on the International scene. Whilst only 18, how far away do you think you maybe from Senior Duty.

Its hard to say really, when you look at the strikers at the club Nuno Gomes, Kazim-Richards and Jordan Rhodes... They are top goalscorers and have been knocking about at the world stage for years, I've just got to keep doing well in the Reserves, putting in good performances with the team and hopefully finding the net when I can

6) What is Blackburn like as a club. We are continuously told Rovers have some of the most advanced facilities and back room coaching staff. How is it like as a footballer

The facilities here are unreal. Blackburn Rovers is a massive club, an Indoor pitch, swimming pool, 2 full gyms and 6 training pitches! A footballer really couldn't ask for any more. The back room staff are amazing. They always have a positive mindset, ensuring we remain focused on improving our game, every day.

7) Of your fellow Reserves/Youth team mates, who do you think has the ability to crack it into the Rovers First Team Squad

Jack O'Connell is an extremely talented lad. A strong, smart centre half, he is very similar to Givet, both physically able to compete on and off the ball, as well as being left footed. He has also capped for the England U19s.

8) What are our first team footballers like. Who is the comedian and who is the last to leave the training pitch!

By far, the joker is David Dunn. He is hilarious and does not miss an opportunity to pay out anybody! And i mean anyone! However he trains hard and is always available to give advice and talk to any of us in the reserve and youth teams. A class act

9) Some words of advice for junior footballers looking to make the grade?

Never stop working, especially on your technique. It is the little things which what makes you the footballer you are. I try to work hard on and off the ball which really helps develop my game

A massive thank you to Jamie Maclaren for taking time out of his busy schedule. Jamie is pretty active on twitter and always makes time for a chat, feel free to follow

@Jamie_Maclaren