GRAHAM Fenton breathed a sigh of relief and admitted: "Thank goodness it's all over and I can get on with the football."

Blackburn Rovers' latest major signing had seen his £1,450,000 transfer from Aston Villa drag on for days.

But it was finally signed and sealed last night, following a slight medical hitch, and Fenton can't wait to get down to serious business where it matters, on the pitch.

He is set to play for the reserves tonight and said: "It has been a bit frustrating over the past few days.

"When you hear about something and then nothing seems to happen you just want to get on with it.

"I'm glad it's all over now and I can concentrate on football. I am nowhere near match fit. I haven't played a full game for some time."

Fenton's appearances for Villa this season have been confined to substitute and he knows he also faces a tough task in making a mark at Ewood.

But the 21-year-old Geordie, whose all-action style could make him popular with Rovers fans, is ready to take it on.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I felt I was getting a little bit stale over the last 18 months at Villa and needed a change of scenery.

"Coming here is a new challenge for me. I realise there are a lot of very good players here but I am also hoping to learn a lot from the staff such as Ray Harford and Derek Fazackerley."

Fenton is known to Harford from the England under-21 side and the Rovers boss has already admitted he has had his eye on the player for some time.

He is versatile, able to play as an attacking midfield player, or wide. Occasionally he has played up front though that is probably not his best position and Fenton himself will be happy to turn out anywhere if he can make the team.

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