NEW signing Darren Peacock is ready to fight for a first team place when he launches his Blackburn Rovers career next month, wrirtes PETE OLIVER.

Peacock has agreed a three-year contract at Ewood Park following his free transfer from Newcastle United under the Bosman ruling.

And he arrives aware that he faces a battle to earn a place in the starting line-up with Colin Hendry and Stephane Henchoz the current lynch-pins of the Rovers' rearguard.

First team coach Tony Parkes confirmed: "There are three for two places, that goes without saying. The lad knows the situation and is willing to come and give it a go in a strong squad." Rovers were short of strength in depth last season and with a Uefa Cup campaign to come as well as an anticipated Premiership challenge manager Roy Hodgson has moved to build up his resources.

And Parkes believes Peacock will have a big part to play. He said: "He is an experienced centre-half who will be useful to the squad. With the number of games we will play and with players getting injured and suspended I am sure he will be more than worth what we have paid for him."

That payment relates to the cost of a three-year deal and what it took to attract Peacock away from a number of other Premiership clubs rather than an actual fee.

But Parkes is delighted with the value for money, adding: "I am sure he will help the younger players. I am sure people like Marlon Broomes will benefit from watching an experienced, excellent centre-half."

The acquisition of 30-year-old Peacock completed a hat-trick of summer signings in Hodgson's first wave of recruitment.

He follows Southampton striker Kevin Davies and 17-year-old Gillingham winger Jim Corbett to give Rovers a blend of raw talent and Premiership pedigree at both ends of the age spectrum. "We are pleased with the three players," added Parkes. "They are different types of players, one lad who we hope will come on pretty quickly, an established striker who we feel will score goals and create goals and an experienced centre-half who has spent many years in the Premier League at another top Premier League club.

"They are three different players who are here to do the same job, to be successful with Blackburn Rovers."

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