BLACKBURN Rovers boss Paul Lambert has challenged new signing Simeon Jackson to earn himself a longer contract at Ewood Park with impressive performances.

Striker Jackson has been on trial at Rovers since leaving League One outfit Barnsley earlier this month and has done enough to earn a short-term deal until the end of this season.

His arrival provides more competition for forwards Jordan Rhodes, Tom Lawrence and Chris Brown with Rovers without Fode Koita and Nathan Delfouneso through injury.

Despite the signing of 28-year-old Jackson Lambert, who allowed young midfielder John O’Sullivan to join Bury on a month’s loan yesterday, is still attempting to bring in another striker with the club hopeful a deal can be done for Sunderland’s Danny Graham.

Of Jackson’s arrival Lambert said: “We needed him because of the injuries. It is a short-term thing for him and he knows that. It is up to him to prove to myself and this club that he can do it, which I think he can.

“He did great for us at Norwich and he scored a lot of big, big goals for us as well. He’s small in stature but he knows where the goal is.”

Lambert is pleased to have added a different type of forward to his Rovers squad.

“He offers us something different, he’s a different type to Jordan and Browny and people like that,” he said.

“So he’s a different type of player and he’s got an eye for goal.

“He’s been training with us for a fortnight to get himself going again. It is a big thing for him because at 28 years of age, he should be hitting his prime and he’s got to be hungry enough to do it. Hopefully he’ll make a good contribution.

“I’m still looking to bring in another striker as well.”