BLACKBURN Rovers boss Mark Hughes is 'excited' by the capture of Swiss international Johann Vogel.

Subject to international clearance, the 31-year-old has agreed to sign a two-and-a-half year deal with the club, after impressive during a two-week 'trial' at Brockhall.

The former AC Milan star, who boasts a wealth of experience at club and international level, has been without a club since he had his contract cancelled by Real Betis in December.

But Hughes is convinced Vogel still has plenty to offer, which is why he has moved in for him now, rather than risk waiting to sign him at the end of the season.

Chairman John Williams said: "We are very pleased to have agreed a deal with Johann.

"We were very fortunate to get the chance to have a good, long look at him, and he's had a good, long look at us too.

"That's the beauty of these arrangements - it gives both parties the chance to do their homework.

"Johann has a great pedigree and I know Mark is very excited about him signing."

Vogel has signed a contract until the summer of 2010, with Rovers negotiating the option of a further year if things work out as hoped.

And once Rovers receive international clearance, Vogel could even make his debut before the end of the season, although he is still short of full match fitness, having began his career with Grasshoppers Zurich, before securing a move to Dutch club PSV Eindhoven in 1999, where he was a team-mate of Andre Ooijer's.

In 2005, he then joined AC Milan but found his appearances limited, and eventually joined Betis.

He was also captain of Switzerland at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and has 94 caps in total.