BLACKBURN Rovers chairman John Williams has hailed the signing of Manchester United full-back Danny Simpson on a season-long loan as a ‘coup’ for the club.

The 21-year-old right-back is manager Paul Ince’s third signing at Ewood Park this summer, following goalkeeper Paul Robinson and Chilean midfielder Carlos Villanueva.

“I think it’s a bit of a coup for us – Paul’s delighted to have him here,” said Williams.

“Sir Alex Ferguson has been asked by a lot of managers, including Paul, for Danny and we’re pleased to have him.

“We’re looking for good competition for places across the squad.

“Danny’s a talented, young lad and I’m sure he’s ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”

Simpson played eight times for United last season, including two Champions League appearances, but finished the campaign loaned out to Ipswich.

Highly-rated by Ferguson, he featured heavily in the English champions’ pre-season programme, most recently starting in last Saturday’s friendly victory over Espanyol.

It is felt, however, that Simpson’s first-team opportunities would be restricted at Old Trafford this term, with Wes Brown expected to hold down the right-back role, and United captain Gary Neville back in contention after a long-term injury.

The Salford-born defender could now make his Rovers debut against Dutch top flight side NAC Breda this Saturday in the club’s final pre-season friendly.

However, Premier League rules will prohibit Simpson from appearing in Rovers’ Premier League fixtures against United this season.

Rovers first face United at Ewood Park on Saturday, October 4, before heading to Old Trafford on February 21.

After securing Simpson, Ince remains hopeful of adding more faces in time for the start of the Premier League opener at Everton on August 16.

“There’s another couple of targets we are looking at and we hope to bring them through the door in the next couple of weeks,” said the Rovers manager.