BLACKBURN Rovers boss Paul Lambert believes he has a stronger and more exciting squad than he had at the start of the January transfer window.

Rovers sold top-scorer Jordan Rhodes to tomorrow’s opponents Middlesbrough and reigning player of the year Markus Olsson to Derby County after the duo made it clear they wanted to leave.

But Lambert bolstered his ranks with six signings including striker Tony Watt and midfield playmaker Jordi Gomez who are set to make their league debuts for the club at the Riverside Stadium.

“I think the squad’s stronger; I think that’s evident,” said Lambert, whose side’s Boxing Day clash at home to Middlesbrough was rained off.

“We’ve got a lot more flair. We needed that and we’ve got that with (Jordi) Gomez and (Tony) Watt coming in. They give you that.

“I’m pretty happy with what we’ve done in January considering the way things were. Let’s see what happens.

“But it’s night and day from what it was. We have got flair and we’re in a lot stronger position now than when we would have played them (Middlesbrough) on Boxing Day.

“It’s been good.”

Watt marked his Rovers bow with a goal in last Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup win at Oxford United.

And he is likely to be joined in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s trip to Middlesbrough by deadline day arrival Gomez.

Lambert said: “He’s a terrific footballer and he’ll add that wee bit of quality that I think we’ve been missing. Jordi coming, I think is a big thing for us.

“I’ve seen him play in numerous positions. He’s a really talented footballer. You tend to find intelligent footballers can play in most places. I know where I’ll play him on Saturday if selected. He’ll be fine.”

Gomez was signed on loan from Sunderland after Rhodes completed his on-off move to Middlesbrough.

Asked if the protracted nature of the high profile transfer had disrupted his plans on the final day of the window, Lambert said: “It never really stopped us from doing anything. It just took up our time. It became a bit of a pain.

“It was on, it was off, it was on, it was off, but thankfully it did happen and I think it was best for everybody it was put bed to once and for all. Now the club can move forward.”

It is understood that Lambert also attempted to sign a pacy attacker before the January transfer window closed.

And, asked whether he will look to make more additions once the emergency loan window opens on Tuesday, he said: “We’ll have a look at the loan window to see what else is available.

“Striking areas is not a major concern as we’ve got lads there. Simeon Jackson has been a big plus for us.

“There may be one or two but it’s something I’ll look at when it reopens.”

And Lambert, who hinted the players he has brought in will allow him to change formations, added: “We’re getting there. There are still areas that need to be stronger than they currently are, and we do need that bit more competition, but we’re getting there.

“It was important we got some flair and people who can manipulate the football. We needed that. We’re slowly but surely getting there and January was quite productive on that front.”