Payne: Lands Rovers deal

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Rovers enlist Kiwi teenager

Blackburn Rovers have signed New Zealand teenager Tim Payne on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 18-year-old impressed on trial last year, and is set to feature for the club’s reserve side next week.

Rovers defender and countryman Ryan Nelsen helped facilitate the switch but he insists the former Waitakere United man is at Ewood Park on merit.

“He has done really well and it has all been on Tim’s back,” said Nelsen.

“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.”