Blackburn sign Andrews

Blackburn have completed the signing of MK Dons midfielder Keith Andrews on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old captained the Dons to both the Coca-Cola League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season under Rovers manager Paul Ince and will be reunited at Ewood Park.

Andrews was named the League Two player of the season last year and scored 21 goals in 87 appearances for the club and could make his debut at West Ham on Saturday.

Andrews was transfer listed by the Coca-Cola League One club earlier in the summer as speculation linking him with a move to Rovers intensified.

He later came off the list but had been left out of the last three games by new manager Roberto Di Matteo as he closed in on the transfer.

A club statement read: "While disappointed to lose our club captain, we understand that the chance for Keith to test himself in the greatest league in the world is too good to ignore.

"We wish Keith every success in his future career and he will always be welcomed back to stadium:mk - either as a player or a friend of the club."

Former Chelsea midfielder Di Matteo drafted in a ready-made replacement for Andrews last week when he signed Flavien Belson on loan from Metz.

He is still keen to further strengthen his squad before Monday's transfer deadline but admitted the timing of the move was not ideal.

He said: "It is going to take time to see how much he'll be missed here and obviously you know the transfer window closes in a few days, so there is not much time left.

"But I guess the chairman will be happy he has got a richer bank account and we will see what we can do.

"I would have been happier if it hadn't dragged on for so long, it hasn't been an ideal situation I have to say, but we just get on with life. It hasn't been an easy start but we are still alive."