Rovers have announced that midfielder-turned-right-back, Joe Rankin-Costello has extended his stay at Rovers by another three years.
The 21-year old, whose previous deal saw him out of contract at the end of June, despite Rovers triggering an extension prior to this new contract, now sees his stay at Ewood Park extended until at least June 2024.
Following his release from Manchester United in 2014, Rankin-Costello joined Rovers and progressed through the varying youth levels before being given a chance to burst onto the scene in the first-team by manager, Tony Mowbray.
Since making his senior debut in a brief cameo during the 2-1 away loss to Sheffield United, which came in the 2019-20 Carabao Cup, the academy graduate came on leaps and bounds as he showed, not only his versatility in playing a variety of different positions, from both full-backs roles, to attacking midfield, but also caught the eye of all Rovers fans with his high work-rate and his ability to pick out a pass, especially from deep.
After making his senior league debut in the 5-0 win away at Sheffield Wednesday the second-half of the 2019-20 season, Rankin-Costello has gone on to cement himself as a first-team player, despite a stop-start introduction to the senior squad, due to injury issues which came as a result of the 2020-21 fixture congestion.
Despite his injury plagued season in 2020-21, Rankin-Costello was still able to notch his first senior goal, which came in the 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers, back in August 2020. Although there were initial worries that his previous contractual situation, along with his impressive displays in the Blue and White halves, could have seen him headhunted and pick-pocketed from Rovers’ grasp, this new deal puts both parties’ minds at ease, as Rovers fans can look forward to another three years of Rankin-Costello.
Following the signing of the deal and the announcement, the utility man sat down and spoke of his delight at the new deal, with RoversTV:
“I’m buzzing to sign long-term here as I’ve loved every minute of the six years I’ve spent here so far. The plan has always been to stay here as long as I possibly could. Injuries have always hurt me but I really do love playing for this football club when I am fit.
“The gaffer’s always shown that faith and belief in me. He’s been so good for me, he trusts me and I always look to reward him for that. He’s someone I really love working under and I’m pleased that’s going to continue. The manager was the man who gave me my chance and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
