OWEN Coyle revealed he was ‘delighted’ to secure the signatures of Lucas Joao and Marvin Emnes who he believes will bring ‘strength in numbers’ to the Blackburn Rovers attack.

Rovers signed Joao on Monday evening on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, and followed that up on Tuesday morning with the return of Marvin Emnes from Swansea until the end of the season.

The pair are both set to be included in the Rovers matchday squad for the visit of Leeds on Wednesday evening, and will provide competition to Danny Graham, Sam Gallagher and Anthony Stokes.

Joao scored eight goals for Sheffield Wednesday in 2015/16 following a move from Nacional, but has found opportunities harder to come by this season, with injuries also restricting him to just 12 outings.

But Coyle said:  “Having spoken to him, he’s one that I have admired for the last couple of years.

“He has plenty of qualities, he’s 6’3”, quick, strong, has good technical ability and can score goals with his head and with his feet.

“So he certainly provides a real attacking threat for us.

“It’s important that we have strength in numbers in that position for the remainder of the season because if we picked up any injuries to our key players that have scored goals then it would be detrimental to us moving forward.

“When the opportunity arose to secure his services then we did everything within our powers to make that happen, and we’re delighted it was concluded.

“He comes hungry, wanting to do well and show his qualities.

“He’s young so has that scope to kick on and get better and hopefully bring a lot to Blackburn Rovers.

“He’s one that can play right through the middle, but he can play to either side if you want to go with three forwards.

“He has the intelligence and pace and power to do that, so he gives us real competition in those areas, which we are trying to build in all areas.”

Emnes returns to Rovers where he scored three goals in 20 appearances before his initial spell came to an end on January 15.

Rovers have been working towards a return ever since, though new Swansea boss Paul Clement wanted to have a look at the 28-year-old before sanctioning the move back to Ewood Park.

And Coyle added: “We are delighted.

“We didn’t want any break if truth be told when the initial loan expired.

“We tried to secure that continuity but Swansea, but given their change in circumstances, wanted to have a look.

“But we never gave up hope on that one, Marvin had indicated that he had enjoyed his time here.

“I think the fans had taken to him and recognised what a good player he is, so it was nice to get that over the line and bring a quality player back to the football club.”

On likely involvement tomorrow, Coyle added: “Marvin should have no qualms about fitness because he was playing with us and then continued to train at Swansea, all be it not playing the games.

“Lucas has been on the bench, and it’s about having that fitness required for the duration of a Championship match.

“They will certainly both feature in the matchday squad.”