JORDAN Rhodes will be able to make his Middlesbrough debut against his former club Blackburn Rovers this weekend.

Rhodes completed his on-off £11m move from Rovers to Middlesbrough hours before the January transfer window closed.

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And the striker could go straight into Aitor Karanka’s starting line-up in Saturday’s Riverside Stadium clash between the Championship rivals.

No clause or gentlemen’s agreement exists which would prevent Rhodes from facing the club he has just left and where he scored 85 goals in 169 games.

The Scotland international, whose uncle Steve Agnew is Middlesbrough’s assistant manager, seemed set to remain at Rovers after the switch to his long-term suitors broke down on Sunday over personal terms.

But after more twists and turns the deal was resurrected on Monday afternoon and, having already passed a medical, Rhodes signed a four-and-a-half year contract later that night.

Middlesbrough had bids for the 25-year-old turned down in March and July of last year.

But, after he once again made it clear that he wanted to leave, Rovers owners Venky’s and boss Paul Lambert gave him the green light to go.

“It’s been a hectic few days but it makes it all worth it now,” Rhodes said to Boro+ HD.

“I’m looking forward to bedding in, settling down and getting to know the lads, the staff, the fans and everyone in the local area.

“Middlesbrough is a fantastic club with a fantastic team that has been doing really well all season. I’m looking forward to getting started and getting to know everyone.

“It’s taken some time to finally get here but having known my uncle Steven, who is assistant manager here, we have been in frequent sort of phone calls, and I think they have expressed their desire to bring me here.

“That’s what comes across – a more overwhelming desire to have people that want me, and it’s a real lovely feeling to have people that want you, and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“It’s a really good team, and a really squad of players and really good competition for places.

“Nothing is taken for granted but if I can add some sort of quality whenever the manager requires me to play a part, I’ll just be training and trying my best when called up to give my all.

“I’ll give my all and work as hard as I can. I can’t guarantee goals, chances, creating them, assists and all that every week, but I’ll work hard every day in training to strive to make myself a better player and person to do well for this football club.”

Middlesbrough manager Karanka said: “I think Jordan is an amazing addition because his numbers are amazing. I can understand everyone is excited but I told him that the main thing is the team.

“He knows that and for him it’s really good to join us. So I’m pleased.”