BOSS Tony Mowbray admits he is excited by the potential of new signing Jacob Davenport.

The midfielder penned a four-year deal with Rovers this week having joined from Manchester City for an undisclosed six-figure fee.

City have a sell-on fee should Davenport leave Ewood and Mowbray admits he can’t wait to see his new signing, who spent time in the Championship on loan at Burton Albion last season, in action.

Mowbray said: “For him, getting experience in the Championship will have been invaluable. It’s fantastic for such a young player to impact a team at that level.

“I’m really excited to see how he performs.

“Having spoken to a few people at Burton, they think extremely highly of Jacob as a footballer and a person, as do the people at Man City.

“They tell me about his work rate and positive attitude, and the fact City have put certain clauses in his deal show that he’s got real potential.”

Davenport could make his first appearance for Rovers in Sunday’s opening friendly of the summer at Scottish Premiership side Hibs.

And Mowbray believes the 19-year-old can add real competition to places in the middle of Rovers’ midfield. Davenport’s fellow new signing Joe Rothwell also strengthened that area while Corry Evans, Richie Smallwood, Lewis Travis and Peter Whittingham featured in the central areas last season with Bradley Dack and Ben Gladwin offering more attacking options.

“We’re trying to build a football club, first and foremost, and Jacob is a young player who will help our team. He’ll give us a left-footed balance,” Mowbray added.

“I like him, we sat down before and he loves football. He’s a very bright kid and, from what I hear, he brings that on to the training pitch.

“He can play, but he’s also a warrior, Smallwood-esque if you like. He’ll run around the pitch and tackle everyone. He’s got a bit of everything.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he brings that into the team.”