ROBBIE Savage has admitted it was the chance to play for Mark Hughes that ultimately persuaded him to join Blackburn Rovers rather than Champions League chasing Everton.

After weeks of speculation, the 30-year-old midfielder finally completed his £3 million switch from Birmingham City to Rovers yesterday when he put pen to paper on a three and a half year deal.

But Everton boss David Moyes tried to hijack the move at the 11th hour, only to be snubbed by the Wales captain.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be here," said Savage, who will be formally unveiled to the media in a press conference tomorrow morning.

"Mark Hughes, Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki were massive, massive factors in why I've come here.

"In the first instance, for me to play with Mark Hughes was a massive thing so for him to now buy me is a dream come true.

"He was my boyhood hero and I now want to give everything I can for him.

"It's been a long few weeks, probably the longest two weeks of my life, and if it wasn't for my wife and my little boy, I don't think I'd be here now.

"It has been hard, I've got to admit, but they've kept me going and we got there in the end, so I'm delighted."

Savage was the man at the top of Hughes' wish-list from the moment he succeeded Graeme Souness as the Blackburn manager in September and, after having two bids rejected for the all-action midfielder during the transfer window, his perseverance finally paid off earlier this week when the Blues bowed to the inevitable and accepted a third offer.

Nevertheless, Everton made a last-gasp attempt to scupper the deal once it became clear Thomas Gravesen was heading for Real Madrid, only to be told that Savage had his heart set on a move to Rovers.

"I think Everton came in with a late bid but I wanted to come and play for Mark Hughes and Blackburn Rovers and I stood by my word," said the former Leicester star.

"I'm just delighted that we've shown faith in each other and that means a lot."

Savage can't wait to hook up with Hughes again after the pair forged a strong bond during their time together with the Welsh national team.

Before that, they were also colleagues at Manchester United and Savage feels as though he has a special 'connection' with his boyhood hero.

"We've got a lot of similarities but I don't mean as a players because Mark has played for Manchester United and Barcelona and he was far better than me," said Savage.

"But he's from Wrexham, where I'm from, and I was at Manchester United as an apprentice when he was a fantastic, world class player and he helped me a great deal.

"Obviously, then we also worked together with Wales so we just connect, as if we know where each other comes from."

Savage admitted the last few weeks of his Birmingham career left a sour taste in the mouth, with many Blues fans accusing him of being a traitor.

City boss Steve Bruce, who relegated him to the reserves, also gave Savage the cold shoulder but the Welshman is now looking to making a fresh start elsewhere.

"To go from a hero to one of the most hated men in Birmingham in the space of two weeks is quite hard to take," said Savage.

"But it's all been worth it and I'm now looking forward to playing for Blackburn, who, I believe, are a fantastic club.

"I just hope I can now repay the faith that Mark has shown in me."

Hughes expressed his delight at finally getting his man when he added: "Robbie's a great player. He's got great enthusiasm for the game and he drags people along with his enthusiasm and desire to take part in games.

"That's going to be important for us in the second half of the season so I'm delighted that he's here."