Grounded Pratt wants to stay in Ismael's plans

Blackburn Rovers defender George Pratt has vowed to stay grounded and work hard to stay in Valerien Ismael's plans going forward.

The 22-year-old was recalled from a loan spell at National League North Chorley last month as Rovers lost Scott Wharton and Hayden Carter to injury.

After being named on the bench for the home defeat by Derby County, Pratt was handed his debut in the derby win at Preston North End and also started in the home defeat by QPR and Saturday's 1-1 draw at Wrexham.

"It's massively changed my life," Pratt told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"Going from playing in front of nobody really at Chorley, getting the recall, getting chucked straight into the Derby and Preston games - good games, good fans, something I've not experienced before.

"Just wrapping my head around the whole thing has been a lot."

Pratt has battled injury problems of his own, missing nearly 18 months after a broken leg and recurring stress fracture of his foot.

"I knew I'd have go to out on loan and prove myself, prove I can play senior football week-in, week-out and stay fit, given my injury record.

"National League North is a fight. Pitches aren't great, the fans and players are really passionate. It's a dogfight all game. It's something you have to get used to dealing with, playing with big men who throw themselves about, it was definitely an experience."

Pratt said he was keen to repay the faith shown in him by Ismael.

"It means a lot he's got that faith in me, that he trusts me. Hopefully, I can keep repaying him with good performances.

"I just want to keep performing and keep my shirt. When people come back, make it hard for them to get back in the team, and give the gaffer something to think about.

"It's about keeping my head down and feet grounded."

Rovers have picked up just four points at home in eight matches this season but face a run of three games at Ewood Park in a week, starting with Tuesday's visit of Ipswich Town (19:45 GMT) before struggling Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United follow on Saturday and 9 December.

"The lads want to get the home form right. We should make it a fortress, so when you come to Ewood it's a really hard game to get three points," he said.

"It's not massive margins, it's little mistakes or slip-ups, or a first half that hasn't gone well.

"If you look at the table, there's not much in it at all. Six points and we're right up there [in the play-off chasing pack]. In these next three games to get as many points as we can is vital."

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