GRAEME SOUNESS today hailed Turkish midfield star Tugay as the new heartbeat of his team after finally landing his top summer target following a two-month transfer saga.

After weeks of uncertainty, Rovers finally signed the 30-year-old midfield general yesterday in a £1.3 million deal from Rangers after the Football League Review Panel decided to grant the player a work permit following a successful appeal.

And Ewood chief Souness is in no doubt that his latest capture will be a big hit with Rovers fans next season after earmarking him for a pivotal role in his Premiership survival plan.

"I'm absolutely delighted we've finally managed to sign him," said Souness.

"We were confident about getting him here from the start but you are always worried something could go wrong along the way.

"However, we felt we put forward a very good case and we finally got the right result which is a major boost because I think we've got a bargain.

"He's a footballer and I see him as someone who will be a focal point of our team next season.

"He's the type of player who will keep the ball moving for us because he does the simple things and never gives possession away.

"And, because of the very nature of his position, I think he will have a major influence on our play.

"So I think our fans are going to enjoy watching him."

Souness first tried to sign the Turkish international last December after the pair struck up an excellent relationship during their time together at Galatasaray.

But, though the player indicated at the time that he would be interested in a move to Ewood, the Rovers boss then had to abandon the plan after encountering problems over a work permit.

However, once Rovers secured promotion back to the Premiership, Souness immediately resurrected his interest in his former captain.

And, though the club's initial application for a permit was knocked back a month ago, Souness's persistence has now finally paid off.

Tugay has already trained with his new team-mates after flying out with the rest of the squad for a pre-season tour of Austria and Germany earlier this week.

And he could now make his Rovers debut against Austrian outfit SU Abtenau on Monday night.