Todd Cantwell is determined to let his football do the talking after a deadline day move to join Blackburn Rovers from Rangers. 

The Dereham-born Norwich City academy graduate joined Rovers on a permanent deal after expressing a desire to pursue a fresh challenge earlier in the summer. 

Despite links to several clubs abroad, Cantwell elected to link up with John Eustace at Ewood Park and a return to a division where he has enjoyed success previously with both the Canaries and during a loan stint at Bournemouth. 

The midfielder is keen to respond to what he describes as 'noise' surrounding him during his time at Ibrox through his football. 

"As a player in the situation that I was in, sometimes you have to be patient. I had a few to pick from, and this felt right from the moment I spoke to the manager, so I knew it was the place to come. 

"It's a club that I've always enjoyed playing against. It's a lovely stadium and has a big history so I'm delighted to be here," Cantwell told Blackburn's official channels.

"It's an important stage of my career. There is a lot of noise around me and there are a lot of things that I want to show. I want to play as well as I can for as long as I can and show people the real me. 

"I'm different. I appear different - with the blonde hair and the socks and bits and pieces. I also appear different because I think people acknowledge that there is a footballer there. It's really important for me to put a lot to the side and let my football speak, that's exactly why I chose this club and this manager. 

"I think I'm probably grossly misunderstood. Most people who meet me always seem surprised that I'm the way that I am and not the way that I look, but I can't really affect that. 

"In football, you are going to have a queue of people's opinions that are irrelevant or stories that are made up. You have to sit back and smile because most of the things that you read are certainly not true."

Cantwell won two Championship titles during his time at Carrow Road before going on to slam the club's treatment of him, and Blackburn hopes that success at this level will prove to be useful experience in their playing group at Ewood Park. 

"I've had very successful campaigns in the Championship, and I know the division well. I've had three promotions, so I know what it takes," Cantwell said.

"I know this club is very ambitious, and I've had those internal talks. It's an exciting time for the club. 

"Last season, they did well to stay in the division, but this season, we are looking at a very different challenge, and I'm here to make sure we go in that direction."