The Norway international, whose dramatic loss of form and confidence appeared to spiral out of control under former manager Paul Ince, is enjoying his football again.

He had endured a miserable start to the season after falling out of favour with Ince and even contemplated a future away from Ewood Park.

But since Allardyce took over when Ince was sacked last month Pedersen has played every minute of the three Barclays Premier League matches.

"When you don't play you normally think perhaps I need to leave to play first-team football," he said.

"I did not play so much at the beginning of the season. I was sitting in the stand and that was not what I wanted to do.

"Since Sam has come I have played every single minute in the Premier League, that is what I want to do.

"My game has been improving and I am happy.

"I want to fight and want to be part of a team that is going to lift themselves out of the relegation zone."

Rovers are still in trouble, in 19th place in the table, and face Newcastle at home on Saturday.

But under Allardyce, who at the weekend comes up against the club who sacked him 12 months ago, they are unbeaten and Pedersen said the former Bolton boss had made a difference.

"It was not a good feeling to go into the dressing room at Blackburn earlier this season, you just felt empty," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"It has been really good with a good manager as well. All we want is climb the table.

"In the last games we have been doing really well. There is still a long way to go but at least we have had a good start and that gives you confidence."

Blackburn have completed the signing of Marseille defender Gael Givet on loan until the end of the season and are now awaiting his international clearance.

The club also have first option to sign the 27-year-old, who can play in the centre or at left-back, on a permanent basis.

Givet has won 13 caps for France but a fall-out with Marseille manager Eric Gerets has meant he has not played a first-team match for the French club this season.

Rovers are also being linked with Salzburg's 6ft 5in striker Marc Janko, who has scored 30 goals in the Austrian league in only 20 appearances this season.

Despite the future of Blackburn forward Roque Santa Cruz remaining unresolved - Manchester City have yet to lodge an improved offer after their £16million bid was turned down last week - reports suggest Allardyce is lining up Janko as a replacement.