Matt Grimes has joined Blackburn Rovers on a three-month emergency loan.

With the Rovers currently wallowing at the wrong end of the table, they will hope the Swansea City youngster can make an impact at Ewood Park during his short stint with them.

Grimes joined the Swans for just short of £2 million last January, having impressed with Exeter City in League Two, but he has struggled to establish himself at the Liberty Stadium since.

The youngster has played every one of Swansea's cup games this season, but he has made only one appearance in the Premier League and so this loan move will certainly be more beneficial in terms of his development than sitting on the bench.

Grimes delighted with move

Having only ever played at fourth tier level, and then a handful of times in the top flight, a move to the Championship can help Grimes grow and improve.

Speaking to Blackburn's official website, the midfielder said that he is "hoping to get some games under [his] belt" in the second tier and that, in them, he wants to make an impact significant enough to "help this massive club climb up the league table."

The Rovers were targeting promotion at the beginning of the season, but they could not be much further away from achieving that goal as they currently sit in 19th place - 20 points behind Derby County in the first play-off spot.

Their priority now is staying up, with them becoming seriously entangled in the relegation battle - just five points separating them and the drop zone.

They will hope Grimes brings some well needed quality to Lancashire then, and his attitude upon arriving at least suggested he will give his all during his time with Blackburn.

Grimes shows plenty of promise, but has struggled for game time so far at such a young age. | Photo: South Wales Evening Post
Grimes shows plenty of promise, but has struggled for game time so far at such a young age. | Photo: South Wales Evening Post

He described the Championship as "such a good level" and said he is thrilled to be in the division with "such a big club."

"Getting games in the Championship is my priority at this moment in time" he concluded, adding that he "couldn't think of a better club to be doing it at."

Grimes could make his debut this coming Tuesday as Blackburn take on Fulham at home in a huge game, with the Cottagers just one place and one point above them.

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]