The stopper has joined the Sky Bet Championship outfit in Lancashire having initially reported back for pre-season with Graham Potter’s first-team in recent weeks, and he says the move north represents another good chance to develop.
He said, “I’m delighted that the move has come around pretty quickly — I’ve had a good three weeks back at Brighton training and showing what I can do for the new manager.
“It was a level playing field, but for my development and own progression, I feel like another season playing games in a Championship environment at a good level is beneficial.
“My aim is to come back and compete for the number one shirt at Brighton.
“I know the area; I was settled at Wigan and it should be an easy transition moving here. I have no problems with the location and I’m just looking forward to getting started now.”
Rovers are managed by Scotsman Tony Mowbray and will be the second season in a row that Walton has plied his trade at Championship level following his spell with the Latics last year.
The goalkeeper spoke about the attraction of playing under the manager and looked ahead to what he knows will be another competitive campaign.
“That was one of the reasons why I wanted to come and join the club. The manager has done well over the past few seasons, so I’m looking forward to getting to work under him,” he continued.
“What he’s got in place at the club is really promising and exciting for any young player.
“The league last year was really tough, with the calibre of players in the league. It’s only going to get better, so from my own personal point of view, it’s another great progression.
“Playing another season at that level is only going to improve myself. Watching on, you see the quality, and Blackburn have also got that quality and want to move up the league.”
Walton joined Maty Ryan, Jason Steele, David Button and Robert Sanchez out on tour in Austria earlier this month with the senior squad, and he feels happy with his contribution out on tour and on home soil.
“I’ve come back and feel like I’ve done well in training; the manager probably would have been happy for me to stay around, but for all parties, it’s probably best for me to get out and play.
“It should back my position up next year, when I come back and want to be part of the first-team squad at Brighton.”