New signing Elrio van Heerden is confident that his move to Ewood Park will take him to the next level in his career.

The 25-year-old, who joined Rovers on a free transfer this week after an injury-interrupted spell at Club Brugge, believes that there are exciting times ahead for both himself and the club.

He said: "It's a great move for me after what has been a less than memorable experience the past year at Club Brugge.

"Blackburn opens up the biggest chapter in my career and I will try to repay the club for showing faith in me by playing my best football at Blackburn.

"The English Premiership is a big league - one of the biggest in the world - and I look forward to testing myself against top players week in and week out.

"Blackburn are a historical club who have enjoyed great success in the past. Last season was obviously one of change for them, following the changes in management, but manager Sam Allardyce has kept the club up and I have no doubt that I am joining a club which will once again be on the rise."

A small and speedy midfielder, Elrio believes that despite joining a league which places a strong emphasis on a players' physical attributes, his technical ability will ensure that he is a success.

"It is great to be joining a league where the likes of Aaron Mokoena, Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar are playing," he added.

"Pienaar has enjoyed a tremendous two seasons so far at Everton. He has shown that, in the English Premiership, where most clubs always want big, powerful players, if a smaller but technically good player is given a chance, he can succeed.