BLACKBURN Rovers boss Paul Lambert has no doubt that Elliott Bennett will prove to be money well spent.

Lambert went back to his former club Norwich City to make the versatile winger his first permanent signing since taking over Rovers.

MORE TOP STORIES:

And he believes Bennett, who can play anywhere down the right-hand side and off the front, has everything to become a Ewood Park success.

Lambert said: “He’s a bit different to what we’ve got because he’s got pace. He’s also got legs and he’s a really good age.

“He can play in the wide area and off the front. I’m delighted he’s here because I know exactly what he can do.

“He also knows the way I work and what I want. He’ll be great for the lads.”

It is the second time that Lambert has signed Bennett in his managerial career.

He snapped up the 27-year-old from then League One Brighton & Hove Albion after leading Norwich to promotion to the Premier League in 2011.

Bennett made 33 appearances as the Canaries marked their first season back in the top flight with a 12th-placed finish.

And after his loan at Rovers’ Championship rivals Bristol City came to a conclusion on Sunday, Lambert was quick to make his move.

“He was fantastic for me in the Premiership season,” said Lambert, who is continuing his search for further January transfer window reinforcements.

“He’s a top guy and a top pro. There’ll be no worries at all with him.

“A player’s character is important to me and that is why we will try and bring the right people to the club if we can.

“And Elliott is definitely one of those. He did brilliant for me in the past and I’m excited he’s coming in.

“He’s a very good player.”

Bennett, who becomes Rovers’ first paid-for signing in a year after exiting their Financial Fair Play embargo, will link-up with his new team-mates today as preparations for this weekend’s FA Cup clash at Newport County continue.

And he said: “The gaffer has been absolutely fantastic for my career and he showed a lot of faith in me taking me from League One straight to the Premier League with Norwich and I really enjoyed my year there under him.

“So to be reunited with him is brilliant and hopefully I can repay his faith in me but also repay the club’s faith in me and we can get some good results and have a successful time while I'm here.

“I now can’t wait to meet all the players and then just crack on from there really.

“We’ve got a job to do on Saturday and I just can’t wait to get stuck in, get into the squad, be a part of the team and hopefully help Blackburn Rovers fulfil its potential and get it back to where it needs to be and where it should be, in the Premier League.

“The club is rebuilding again after coming out of the embargo so it is really exciting to be here.

“It is a massive football club with a lot of potential to get back up there and I’m just excited to be part of that.”

John O’Sullivan, meanwhile, has returned to Rovers after his loan at Rochdale ended.

The young midfielder was sent off in his third and final appearance for the League One outfit on December 12.