MARTIN Dahlin has completed his £2 million move from AS Roma to Blackburn Rovers.

The deal - Roy Hodgson's fifth as new Ewood boss - was completed yesterday but is unlikely to receive international clearance in time for the Swedish striker to play against IFK Gothenburg in Jonkopping tomorrow.

But clearance has been received for Hodgson's other Swedish capture Anders Andersson and he is almost certain to feature in the first game of the pre-season tour.

Swiss international Stephane Henchoz, however, is set to be sidelined by a groin strain.

Dahlin's transfer has finally gone through and Hodgson is delighted by the capture.

"Martin will feel he has something to prove," he said.

"His goalscoring record is outstanding and I do not think there are many players, including Alan Shearer, who can match his international record.

"Martin has played 51 games for Sweden and scored 27 goals.

"It would be stupid of me to say that Dahlin would be the new Shearer. "But if the crowd give him a chance to settle down and come to terms with Premiership football, I think we have signed a very good player.

"Martin is at the peak of his career.

"He's 29 with many good years left but I think the experience he has gained over the last few years will be valuable.

"I have no doubts about him whatsoever."

The manager is also resigned to being without a second of his summer signings tomorrow, with no risks being taken over Henchoz.

He had an operation on both ankles a few months ago and they are not a problem. But Hodgson said: "He has been joining in with us and the ankles have stood up well.

"But the work he has done has caused a slight groin strain."

That will leave only Andersson, French defender Patrick Valery and Australian goalkeeper John Filan of the new recruits, though Rovers have plenty of players available to them. Filan knows that he will start as number two to Tim Flowers but that didn't deter him from making the move from Coventry to Ewood.

"It's good to work with someone of Tim's reputation, he's world class," said the keeper who has taken Shay Given's place in the squad.

"I'm pleased to have come to a bigger Premier League club. Coventry are a good club but Blackburn are bigger and have a lot more power."

Hodgson already knew that he would be without Colin Hendry, who has travelled with the squad to Sweden but will not take part in any of the matches.

The central defender is still recovering from summer surgery on a long-standing groin injury and will continue his rehabilitation during training.

It means that players who could not get a regular first team place last season may be given an early chance to impress the new manager. Lars Bohinen, Graham Fenton and Per Pedersen are among those who will be hoping to make an impact, especially with the increased competition for places next season.

Tomorrow's game (kick-off 3pm) is being staged by two smaller clubs in Jonkopping. They have joined forces to put on what is expected to be a major event in the town.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.