CRAIG Conway believes the signing of ‘top player’ Peter Whittingham is a statement of intent from Rovers this summer.

Conway was reunited with former Cardiff City team-mate Whittingham when the 32-year-old turned down an offer from the Bluebirds to make the move to Ewood Park.

The pair spent three seasons together in south Wales, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011/12, and Conway was delighted by Whittingham’s capture.

“When I spoke to him in the summer and he said he was potentially coming I had nothing but good things to say about the club,” Conway said.

“So it was great that the club have managed to get him.

“He’s a top player to be fair.

“I think when I signed with Cardiff, in training and in games he was one player that stuck out for me.

“I think it says a lot about the manager’s intent and what he wants to do, and to be fair the backing that he has got from the owners as well is really positive.”

Whittingham was the club’s first addition following relegation from the Championship as he joined on a two-year deal.

He has started both of Rovers’ pre-season friendlies to date, and is expected to play a key role in how head coach Tony Mowbray is looking to play next season.

Rovers will be also hoping that Whittingham can contribute goals from midfield, having scored 98 times in his 10 years with Cardiff, including seven last term.

He will also offer Rovers a considerable threat from set plays, with Conway in no doubt of the quality Whittingham offers.

“He is a top player, he is great on the ball and I think it is a great signing for us,” he added.

“He’ll keep it ticking, he doesn’t give the ball away very much.

“He’s got that left peg, so at free-kicks and corners we’ve really got a big strength in the side now with set pieces.”

Rovers are waiting to make their fifth signing of the summer with Reading striker Dominic Samuel close to joining and Mowbray expected to make a decision on full back Paul Caddis in the next 24 hours.

Rovers have already signed Whittingham, Ben Gladwin, Richie Smallwood and Bradley Dack.

All have arrived in East Lancashire looking for a new challenge and

And Conway is eager to see how they go.

He said: “It is a great set of young lads that are going towards their best years of their careers so I think it is a big statement from the club.”