Joe Rothwell made a lasting impression on Tony Mowbray during Rovers’ win at Oxford in November.

Rovers may have ran out 4-2 winners at the Kassam Stadium, after three goals in the opening 20 minutes, but the attacking performance of the hosts impressed Mowbray.

He signed Jack Payne on loan in January and also tried to secure a move for 23-year-old Rothwell.

The Ewood chief had to wait until June to sign him, but was delighted with the capture of the versatile midfielder.

He said: “First and foremost, Joe’s a really young boy who had a good grounding at Manchester United. He went away to get his career up and running and he’s a player who caught my eye when we went away to Oxford.

“Even though we scored a few goals that night and played very well, Joe was a thorn in our side.

“He was picking the ball up and travelling with it. He travels with the ball very well and is a good athlete. He’s the type I like to add to the team.

“He’s almost an inverted winger and if there are times where we are defending deep then we know Joe can carry the ball 50 or 60 yards and do it pretty quickly.”

Rothwell has joined for an undisclosed fee with his deal at Oxford drawing to a conclusion.

Tied down until the summer of 2021, Mowbray is looking forward to seeing Rothwell progress, and believes he can play a key role for the club.

He added: “He’s a young player with lots of development in him and one who will improve as time goes on.

“I’m conscious that when we sign young players like Joe Rothwell that there’s not too much of a burden put on them.

“He’s coming to a big club to try and make his mark and try to work his way back up the leagues after spending time at Manchester United. This is a step on that.

“I have a lot of belief in him and he’s a nice kid as well. He’ll be given an opportunity to nail down a first team spot.”