Blackburn Rovers have announced their first signing of the summer transfer window, after confirming that Stewart Downing has joined the club on a free transfer.

Downing, who was available on a free following his release from Middlesbrough at the end of last season, has moved to Ewood Park on a one year deal, keeping at the club until June 2020.

A former England international, Downing has spent 12 years of his career at Middlesbrough, making over 400 appearances for the club during two spells at The Riverside Stadium, although he didn't actually play for the club in three years between 2010 and 2013 when they were managed by current Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray.

Speaking in a video posted on the club's Twitter account, Downing said: "After discussions with the manager, it was the only place I wanted to come.

"He's got really good ideas, a good way of playing and I'm really excited, I'm glad that it's been done quite early as well."

Discussing his potential role within the Rovers squad, Downing added: "I'm an experienced player, maybe I can come in and help the younger players and I'm quite excited about that."

Rovers enjoyed a solid first season back in the Championship last year, finishing 15th following a solitary campaign in League One during the 17/18 season, and asked what he expected from the club next season, Downing claimed: "I think this year certainly we should be pushing for the play-offs, it's always been a really good football club with good support and I just think it's a club on the up."

The verdict

Despite some scepticism around Downing's age, I think this could actually be a smart piece of business from Blackburn.

The departure of Craig Conway at the end of the season is not one that Rovers appeared to have expected, meaning that they will are unlikely to have considered bringing in an extra winger when planning for the summer transfer window.

Bringing in Downing on a free therefore means that they have managed to fill that role without having to eat too much into their funds for the summer.

As Downing himself said, a player with his experience, and ability at this level, could also be a useful and welcome addition both on and off the pitch in what is a relatively young squad at Ewood Park.