TOMMIE Hoban and Derrick Williams could be handed their debuts in today’s Championship clash at home to Fulham (3pm) after the defensive duo became Owen Coyle’s ninth and tenth new recruits since taking over as Blackburn Rovers boss.

Coyle used some of the proceeds of Shane Duffy’s £4m sale to Brighton & Hove Albion by signing left-back or centre-back Williams for an undisclosed six-figure fee.

And he also completed the season-long loan capture of Hoban from Watford.

Both players have been signed in time for the clash with the Cottagers and Coyle said: “I’ve been on the trail of both players for a number of weeks.

“It’s taken a bit of time to get them in the building but we’re delighted to get them both secured.”

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

The 23-year-old went on to make 131 appearances for the Robins, scoring five goals and winning the League One and Football League Trophy titles in their memorable 2014-15 campaign.

Williams, who will wear the number five shirt at Rovers, said: “I’m buzzing to be here and really happy to get this done. I knew of the move for about a week but I didn’t think it would happen.

“But I got a call last night and I was on my way to Blackburn. As soon as Owen Coyle rang me I knew I wanted to play for Blackburn Rovers.

“It is a massive club, I want to come here and work hard and do my best for the team and help us get up that table.

“I’m raring to go, I’m hungry and looking forward to hitting the ground running.”

Hoban has made 58 appearances for Watford since rising through the academy ranks and was a key part of their automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2014-15.

The 22-year-old, who like Williams is a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, made his comeback from long-term injury in the Hornets’ midweek EFL Cup loss to Gillingham.

And Hoban, who will wear the number four shirt for Rovers, said: “I’m delighted to be here, I can’t wait to get started now.

“It all happened quite fast, this time yesterday I wasn’t even sure I’d be going out on loan. I’m hoping to help the team as much as I can.

“I had a tough time last year with injuries and I was hoping to get back playing. To come to a club of the calibre of Blackburn is massive, I’m really happy to be here.

“I’m confident, I feel good now and hopefully I can have a good season personally and for the team as well.

“I spoke with the manager yesterday and he said good things to me and made it feel like I’d be valued here and that is certainly what I wanted.

“So I want to repay him by putting in some good performances and help the team get some big results now.

“The training ground is amazing, a big stadium, a great history at the club, so it is a great opportunity for me.”

Coyle is still attempting to sign another centre-back, from a Premier League club, as well as a centre-midfielder and another forward.

He said: “Tommie and Derrick will help us defensively but we’ve not stopped there.”

Hoban, along with Rovers midfielders Darragh Lenihan and Jack Byrne, have been called-up by Republic of Ireland Under-21s for their UEFA European U21 Championship qualifiers at home to Slovenia on September 2 and away to Serbia on September 6.