BLACKBURN Rovers have signed defenders Tommie Hoban and Derrick Williams following the departure of Shane Duffy to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Centre-back Hoban, 22, joins on a season-long loan from Watford, while left-back or centre-back Williams, 23, also a fellow Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, has penned a three-year deal after Rovers paid Championship rivals Bristol City an undisclosed fee for his services.

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Both players have been signed in time for tomorrow’s league clash at home to Fulham.

The duo become Rovers boss Owen Coyle’s ninth and 10th signings of the summer.

Hoban has made 58 appearances for Watford after graduating from their Academy and was a key part of the side which won automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2014-15.

He made his comeback from long-term injury in the Hornets’ midweek EFL Cup loss to Gillingham.

Watford have the option to recall Hoban, who will wear the number four shirt at Ewood Park, in January.

Williams started his career at Aston Villa, making his debut under former Rovers boss Paul Lambert, before moving to Bristol City in the summer of 2013.

He went on to make 131 appearances for the Robins, scoring five goals and winning the League One and Football League Trophy titles in 2014-15.

Williams will wear the number five shirt at Rovers.