Rovers sign N. Ireland U-19 defender

Blackburn have completed the signing of Northern Ireland Under-19 defender Jonathan Flynn.

The 18-year-old had a trial with Rovers earlier in the season and has now signed on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Ballymena.

Tommy Wright, the former Northern Ireland goalkeeper who now manages the Irish League club, said: “I am reluctant to talk up young players, but in my opinion Johnny Flynn is the best teenage defender I have seen in the Irish League for some time.

“He is composed, mature and calm on the ball, and he is also a good defender.

“I think Blackburn have got a very talented defender who is good in the air, has a nice range of passing and has good physical stature. He will also improve and develop with age.”