Augustus Kargbo is relishing the “challenge” of breaking into the team at Rovers and helping the push for a play-off spot.

Kargbo made his first start against Wolves in the FA Cup following his permanent move from Cesena in the January window. He also made a cameo off the bench at Queens Park Rangers several days prior.

Switching clubs mid-season is never easy, especially moving from a different country, but the 25-year-old is embracing the run-in as Rovers aim to finish in the top six.

“It is a challenge, it is not going to be easy,” he said. “Everybody in the club and the team knows that.

“We are just going to try to fight every game to get results. Hopefully, we are going to get to the play-offs.”

Playing in England had been a long-term goal for Kargbo, who also had spells at Campobasso, Crotone, Roccella and Reggiana before heading to Lancashire.

“It has always been my dream to play here,” he added. “Back home, we mostly watched English football.

“When we were young, it was always the Premier League. Even if the lowest teams were playing or the bigger teams, it was always exciting to watch.

“I always followed it and when I became a professional, I always followed the Championship. Most of my friends have played here as well.”

“Apart from the weather, I am fine,” he grinned. “It has been really good. Everyone has been really nice to me – the fans, the club, my team-mates, the staff. I am enjoying it, I am happy to be here.”

Kargbo made his first start against Wolves (Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker) Rovers had interest in the versatile attacker over the summer but were unable to make the move happen at the time.

“We had the offer in the summer but it couldn't happen,” he recalled. “When it came back I just thought, ‘It came back for a reason, I think it is time to make it happen’. I told to my agent and my club that I wanted this, and I’m glad I am here now.”

Kargbo headed to Ewood Park on the back of a frustrating few months in Italy due to injury, but Kargbo is now feeling back to his best as he aims to hit the ground running in the Championship.

“I started really well and had an injury,” he explained. “I got injured in the international break and came back. I was struggling to find get my form back but now I am good.

“Since December, I felt really good and I’m fine now. Over the past couple of weeks, I have felt in really good shape.”

The 25-year-old played on the left against Wolves and during his brief cameo at Loftus Road. He reckons it is where he is most effective but is happy playing anywhere across the frontline.

“I am versatile, to be honest, especially in the attacking areas,” he stated. “That is what I think is my best position, that is where I can be me and do my thing. I prefer playing on the left, but I don't mind playing on the right.”

When asked if pace was a big part of his game, Kargbo replied: “So much. That is what I try to do and help the team with, that is what I try to improve on.”

Whether in Italy or England, quick players can sometimes find themselves on the end of robust challenges.

“In Italy it happens quite a lot for tactical fouls,” he smiled. “As long as they don't injure me, I know it is normal in the game.

“Italy is physical but I think it is more tactical. Here, it is more physical and intensity. I need to try to match up as soon as possible.”

Kargbo also has experience on the international stage, having scored five goals in 21 caps for Sierra Leone to date.

He came up against Emmanuel Dennis, who was playing for Nigeria, several years ago and is looking forward to now playing alongside the striker at Rovers.

“It is an honour (to play for Sierra Leone). Not everybody has the opportunity to represent their country,” he said.

“For me to do that, it is a great honour for me and my family. It feels good to represent and hopefully we can achieve something with the national team.

“When I came here, the reaction back home... I spoke to my mum and can't even imagine how proud she is. Even for them, it is quite a lot.

“It is emotional sometimes, thinking that I am here playing for Blackburn Rovers. It is a proud moment for me and my family.”