BLACKBURN Rovers boss Paul Lambert has expressed his delight after re-signing defender Doneil Henry on loan from West Ham United.

Henry’s short but successful stay at Ewood Park last season was cut short by a serious hamstring injury that required surgery.

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But having returned to full fitness in the summer the 22-year-old Canada international has rejoined Rovers on an initial loan deal until January 3.

Lambert made Henry his first signing since taking over the club last week after identifying the need to bolster his backline.

First-choice centre-backs, captain Grant Hanley and Shane Duffy, are in top form and starred in Saturday’s 2-1 derby victory at Preston North End which got their new manager’s reign off to the perfect start.

But both Hanley and Duffy remain one booking away from a one-game ban after each receiving four yellow cards this season.

With Jason Lowe sidelined and Ben Marshall set to play a more advanced role under Lambert Rovers only have one recognised right-back in Wales international Adam Henley.

It is a position that Henry, who has made one appearance for West Ham this season, in the Europa League, has operated in for his country.

Lambert said: “I’m delighted to be able to bring Doneil back. I know that he did very well last time he was here, prior to his injury.

“We felt that it was important to add an extra body to the defensive department and Doneil was the obvious choice.”

After arriving on a one-month loan from the Hammers in March Henry helped Rovers to three straight wins that briefly revived their play-off hopes.

Just hours after signing he produced a composed debut display in the 2-1 triumph at Sheffield Wednesday before he set-up Jordan Rhodes’ late winner in the 1-0 home victory over Bolton Wanderers.

His final game for Rovers came in the 3-1 success at Charlton Athletic in which he sustained his season-ending injury.

Henry said: “It is great to be back here again, it is a great club.

“The last time I was here I felt really welcomed, I got tossed in right away and felt it was made really easy because of how great the guys were here.

“So I’m just looking to train hard and play my part and give all I have for the team.”

Henry is in line to make his second Rovers debut, once more against Sheffield Wednesday, on Saturday.

It will be Lambert’s first home game in charge.