Rovers have completed the signing of James Brown with the right back set to make his debut in the Premier League 2 game with Manchester City on Sunday.

Brown has penned a short-term deal with Rovers after his time with Drogheda United, where he made 83 appearances, drew to a close.

The 23-year-old spent three days training with Rovers last month and impressed enough to earn a deal and the chance to earn an extended stay.

His first chance to catch the eye in a match setting will come in Sunday’s Premier League 2 game with Manchester City at Brockhall.

“He’s not really coming to affect our team right away, he’s not done a pre-season,” Mowbray said.

“I hope he affects the team moving forward of course but first he needs to get fit, do extra work.

“He joins in with the training and then goes and does extra work.

“He will play for the Under-23s on Sunday against Manchester City and we have to get him up to speed.”

Brown had other offers, including from Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic, but was keen to move to England.

He added: “It’s an unbelievable beginning to 2022 and I can’t wait to get started.

“Since I first came over in December I’ve been itching for this deal to get done.

“It’s been a crazy last few weeks, I wasn’t thinking about Christmas really because my full focus has been on getting something with Rovers. Christmas dragged by and I just tried to keep myself ticking over and staying fit.

“The platform in England is crazy, it’s a different ball game altogether. I want to get my head down, work hard and make the most of it.

“I had offers in Ireland and had pressure to make a decision. But this was the number one goal, I had to grab the trial with both hands."

Rovers captain Darragh Lenihan made a similar move as a teenager, but Brown said the time was right to come to England having matured during his time in the Irish league.

He praised the influence of Lenihan on helping him settle in which he says has been a smooth process.

“I was nervous and excited when I first came over from Ireland, but I got here, met the lads and met Darragh who’s from a place that’s five minutes away from me in Ireland,” he added.

“He settled me in really quickly, the lads are all great here and I felt comfortable after the first couple of hours. That really helped me when I got out onto the pitch. I felt comfortable and really enjoyed the experience.”

“I wanted to come here, I felt positive and it was something I said yes to as soon as I was asked.”