EWOOD boss Tony Mowbray says new arrival Jack Payne is another piece in the Rovers jigsaw, believing the playmaker could prove vital in tight games.

Rovers moved quickly to sign the 23-year-old on loan until the end of the season after he was recalled from his spell at Oxford United by parent club Huddersfield Town.

During his time at the Kassam Stadium Payne scored seven times and had nine assists, form Mowbray hopes he can replicate in East Lancashire.

The attacker trained with his team-mates on Tuesday for the first time and is expected to be in the squad for this weekend’s League One trip to Fleetwood Town.

Mowbray said: “Jack is a creator, he can pick a pass and can score himself.

“When he’s on the ball you hold your breath really and see how he moves things.

“He’s a good quality football player.

“He’s another part of the jigsaw. He can unlock doors, see runs and can put the ball in front of them.

“Around the edge of the box he can put opponents off balance, can assist and get shots away as well.

“In those tight games against teams who put men behind the ball, sometimes a player like Jack can be the difference.

“Jack’s a confident lad but a humble guy at the same time. He knows he has to get himself in the team, compete and work hard for the team.”

Payne is the second attacking arrival at Ewood in the January transfer window, following Adam Armstrong who joined on loan from Newcastle United last week.

The duo will complement the players currently at Rovers’ disposal, with Danny Graham and Bradley Dack in particular in fine form in the forward areas.

Payne scored for Oxford in Rovers’ 4-2 win at the Kassam Stadium in November and Mowbray was impressed by his quality on the night.

The Rovers boss, whose team are on a 15-game unbeaten league run, told the club’s official website: “I’m really happy as Jack will improve the quality and the options that we have. I’m delighted he’s here.

“He was sharp in training, showed real quality and was tight with the football as well.

“I knew he was a good player. I have come up against him before and he’s a constant threat.

“When he is on the ball then the opposition are in trouble.”

Payne has been handed the number 19 shirt at Rovers.