BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes last night swooped for giant defender Christopher Samba.

The 6ft 5in centre back became Hughes' third signing of the January transfer window when he put pen to paper on a three and a half year deal with the club.

The Congo international had impressed Hughes and his coaching staff during a four-day trial spell at Brockhall, and, after snapping him up from Hertha Berlin for an undisclosed fee, the Rovers boss believes his latest addition could have a big future in the English game.

"We always try to bring players into the club and look at them first hand, because I think you get a better idea of what they are about, and he impressed us," said the Ewood chief.

"He's a big guy to say the least, he is upwards of 6'5" and a big powerful guy.

"Sometimes when you have players of that stature they don't really leap to their maximum height, but he certainly does.

"He's quick enough, he's got a big long stride, he covers the ground very easily, and is a good passer of the ball.

"We think he'll be a good addition to the squad."

Samba is relishing the chance to prove himself in the Premiership with Blackburn.

"I'm very happy to be here," said the 22-year-old, whose first name is actually Veljeany but he likes to be known by his middle name Chris'.

"It's a dream for me to play in England in this league, and at a great club like Blackburn, it is perfect for me."

Born in Creteil, Paris, Samba started his football career with FC Rouen, before moving onto CS Sedan, and then securing a move to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin at the beginning of 2004.

In total, he made 20 appearances in the German top flight, and he believes that experience will help him adapt quickly to the rigours of the Premiership.

"It was a good experience in Germany. I think of all the leagues it is the one that is most similar to the English league," said Rovers' new recruit.

"It is a very strong league, but in England it is more intensive and stronger.

"It was still a great experience (playing in Germany), I learnt much, and I hope I can bring everything I've learnt to Blackburn."

Unfortunately, Samba is ineligible for the UEFA Cup because he has already played in the competition this season for Berlin.

Meanwhile, fellow defender Ryan Nelsen is eyeing a first team return after stepping up his comeback with another successful run-out in the reserves on Wednesday night.

The Kiwi international has now made a full recovery from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for the last seven months, and he may even have put himself in contention for a place in the squad to face Luton in the FA Cup tomorrow, although next week's Premiership clashes with Chelsea and Sheffield United are more likely dates for a return.

The New Zealand international said: "I feel pretty good, and my fitness is pretty good.

"It's probably just about getting the little intricacies of the game back, especially as a centre back.

"You've got to get all your angles right again, and then hopefully after that you'll be fine."

Asked if he could feature against Luton, Nelsen added: "I don't know. That's up to the manager. I just play the games and see how they go, and he's the man that picks the team.

"The guys are playing well at the back so it's not going to be easy (to get back in), but that's the good thing about competition."