NEW striker Chris Brown has been backed to be a big hit at Blackburn Rovers.

That is the view of former Rovers defender Callum Davidson who played with the 6ft 3in targetman at Preston North End.

Davidson has followed Brown’s career since he left Deepdale in July 2011 and believes, now that he is over the injury problems that troubled him earlier in his career, he is fulfilling the potential he first showed as a youngster at Sunderland.

And the fact that Rovers got the 29-year-old on a free transfer, following Doncaster’s relegation from the Championship, makes it an even better bit of business for Davidson.

“Chris is an excellent player,” said the former Scotland international, who made 78 appearances for Rovers between 1998 and 2000.

“He’s a big guy but he’s strong with his feet on the ground. His movement is also good.

“He’s a talented player who was unlucky with injuries at Preston. He had a fair few wee niggles but you could see the potential was there.

“It looks like he’s started to live up to that potential and I think it’s a fantastic buy for Blackburn, especially as it’s a free.

“I’ve watched Blackburn a few times and I think he’ll be great for them, especially at home when they should be looking to play with a high tempo.

“He’s also a fantastic lad in the dressing room.”

Brown faces a fight to break into Rovers’ first team after Rudy Gestede firmly established himself as Jordan Rhodes’ strike partner last season.

Davidson, however, has no doubts Brown could also act as the perfect foil to the prolific Rhodes.

“I know they have got other options up there but I can see him playing really well with Jordan Rhodes,” said the 38-year-old, who is now the assistant manager of Scottish Cup champions St Johnstone.

“Chris will bring him into the play as he’s excellent at linking play up and dropping deep into the hole.

“But first and foremost he works extremely hard and always puts a shift in for the team.”

There has been fresh speculation, meanwhile, over the offer of a new contract for Rhodes.

The 24-year-old has three years remaining on his five-year deal but it is understood talks over fresh terms are taking place.

Meanwhile, Rovers have confirmed their new home kit will go on sale on at 9am on Thursday, July 17.

A date for the club’s new away kit has yet to be confirmed.

Rovers’ home clash with Derby County, meanwhile, has been put back 24 hours and will now go ahead on Wednesday, September 17 (7.45pm).