Leo Wahlstedt on Blackburn Rovers move and Pears competition

Leo Wahlstedt is used to competition for places and hopes he can make a positive impression at Rovers.

Wahlstedt was named on the bench against Rotherham last weekend after completing a move from Norwegian club Odds BK on a three-year deal.

The highly-rated Swede is eager to impress in training and make the most of any opportunities that come his way.

Aynsley Pears has started the season as the first-choice goalkeeper at Ewood Park following Thomas Kaminski’s move to Premier League newcomers Luton Town, and Wahlstedt hopes they can push each other on in the coming weeks and months.

“I know Aynsley has done really well but at all the clubs I have been at, there has been tough competition,” he said. “If I just do my things right and work hard, it is up to the manager.”

The Norwegian season began in April and Wahlstedt was in good form prior to his Rovers move, keeping eight clean sheets in 17 appearances. Those figures put him at the top of the list in the Eliteserien.

The 24-year-old dreamed of playing in England and admits the chance to play for a club like Rovers was something he couldn’t turn down.

“Obviously, this is an exciting time to sign for a massive club like Blackburn and moving to England,” he added.

“It has always been a dream for me to play in England because English football in huge in Scandinavia.”

Wahlstedt was already familiar with Jon Dahl Tomasson from the head coach’s time at Malmo, where he won back-to-back league titles and progressed in the Champions League.

“As a Swede, I know what he did at Malmo,” he explained. “He did really well there. I had a chat with him and felt that the style of play will suit me.

“I like to play with my feet. At Odd, we had an offensive mindset in playing so I was a big part of the build-up. Most of the attacks started with the ball at my feet so I like to be involved in the build-up.

“I think it is a good match, that is why I am here. When I had talks with my agent, it was important for me to find a club that would suit my style of play.”

The shot stopper was also linked with a move to Brondby in his home country before heading to Ewood Park.

When asked about interest from elsewhere, Wahlstedt replied: “Earlier this summer, there was interest from Blackburn.

“For one or two months, there were other clubs interested but when I heard there was concrete interest here, I thought it was so exciting. It is a huge opportunity for me.”

The 24-year-old has also represented his country, receiving his first senior call-up last year and making his debut in a friendly against Finland.