GARY Bowyer has revealed Blackburn Rovers beat a host of league rivals to the loan signature of young Leicester City forward Tom Lawrence.

Former Manchester United starlet Lawrence, 21, who has had previous loan spells in the Championship with Yeovil Town and Rotherham United, will remain at Ewood Park until January 3.

And Rovers boss Bowyer said: “We are absolutely delighted, there was a host of Championship clubs that he could have took his pick from.

“So we are delighted that he has chosen us and we are grateful to Leicester City to loan him for six months and we are really looking forward to him coming and playing his football here.

“We’ve known all about him for a long time, obviously following his career at Manchester United, and he played on loan at Yeovil against us so we know what he’s about.”

Wales Under-21 international Lawrence could make his debut for Rovers at Brighton & Hove Albion today.

And Bowyer added: “He’s another player that can play in a variety of positions for us along the front and we need those options.

“We’ve brought him in for his creativity. He’s always had chances and scored goals growing up and that is what we are looking for him to bring to us.”

Meanwhile, Rovers development squad striker Jordan Preston has rejoined Ayr United on a six-month loan deal.