Nick keen to learn his trade

ON-LOAN striker Nick Blackman is keen to put what he has learned on the training ground at Blackburn Rovers on to the pitch for Athletic.

The 19-year-old, who last season had a loan spell at Blackpool, views his move to Boundary Park as another part of his footballing education.

Blackman, who kicked off his career at Macclesfield Town, says he has been lucky to train with internationals Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarthy at Ewood Park.

He said: “It has been a great experience to train with players like them, and I would be a fool if I did not learn from the advice they gave me.

“I enjoyed working with Roque before his move to Manchester City and learned a lot in particular from Benni.

“It is a case of trying to take parts of their game on board and trying to incorporate it into my game to make myself a better player.”

Blackman, who made a lively debut for Athletic against Swindon Town, is looking forward to his time with Athletic having signed initially for one month.