Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has welcomed their loan deal for West Brom youngster Rakeem Harper.

After penning his first professional contract with the Baggies, the 17-year-old midfielder joined Mowbray in League One on deadline day on a season-long loan.

“The reports I have had back from the scouting department, and from people I trust in football, have told me what a fantastic talent he is," said Mowbray.

“He has played for West Brom's first-team in the Premier League but he is of a tender age.

“You can see that when you meet him, although he is a giant of a boy, he's very young, bubbly, looks extremely athletic and when you watch him play he seems to be all over the field."