Blackburn Rovers land Kiwi ace Tim Payne

by Jack Failsworth. Published Tue 17 Jan 2012 17:15, Last updated: 2012-01-17

Blackburn have completed the signing of 18-year-old New Zealand starlet Tim Payne.

Boss Steve Kean made the move after the teenager impressed during a recent trial at the club.

The teenager has agreed an initial two-and-a-half year contract at Ewood Park following a move from Waitakere United.

He is now in the UK and is set to feature for the club's reserve side next week.

Rovers defender and fellow Kiwi, Ryan Nelsen, was instrumental in move.

He said: "He has done really well and it has all been on Tim's back.

"Sure, I have got him the opportunity there but they are not giving him a contract because of me.

"He had to play well, plain and simple, and they have watched him a lot."