OFF the pitch he may be Town's quiet man but defender Chris Blackburn assures when he takes to the field those chilled-out tendencies are frozen out.

The former Morecambe man has been a practising Buddhist for the past couple of years but insists he leaves his laid-back approach to life well and truly in the dressing room.

Trips to Asia, including India, to visit places attached to Buddha have been forthcoming over the past couple os years while daily meditation is now a way of life of Blackburn.

But while he believes his new-found religion and philosophies have put certain things in life into perspective, there can be no mistaking his determination when it comes to making an impression at the County Ground.

Blackburn, whose summer movehas given him his first stab at league football, reveals he first discovered Buddhism about four years ago.

He said: "I suppose it was then I first became interested in it all and then it has only been the last couple of years that I have started followin it.

"I meditate every day and I find it really does put things in life into perspective.

"I am quite chilled out and relaxed and certainly Buddhism has helped that.

"But I think you have to change when you go out onto a football pitch. I know I am a defender and I can't afford to be too relaxed out there. The physical nature of the game really is not a problem."

The 25-year-old is still waiting for his league debut, having appeared only in Town's reserve draw with Yeovil, but he insists he was not expecting much else.

Having previously plied his trade in non-league circle he accepts he has some adapting to do but is also quietly confident he will complete the transition smoothly.

He said: "I expected when I signed here that I would not get straight into the first team. I knew it would not be easy coming from the conference and it should not be either.

"I am working hard on the training pitch and hoping I am improving. I am loving it at the moment because it is totally different to how it was in the non league.

"The training is totally different from what I have been used to. It is far more professional, which you would expect, and I believe it can't help but improve my game.

"Watching the likes of Jerel Ifil and Hasney Aljofree has shown what good players they are. I am learning from them all the time.

"I believe I will get my chance if I keep my head down and work hard and then it is up to me to take it."

While chances are currently limited for Blackburn, he has still taken in Town's early League One challenge and believes the signs are promising.

He said: "I think we have been unlucky just to pick up the five points so far. The Cheltenham game we would have won had it not been for a brilliant save from their keeper.

"We could have taken three points from both away games and that is very encouraging.

"I suppose the only frustration for me is the lack of reserve games but we train hard and I think that keeps you fit enough anyway.

"Although obviously there is no substitute for games."