Rovers boss Kean delighted at sealing Jones loan

United States international Jermaine Jones has joined Blackburn Rovers on a six-month loan deal from Bundesliga club Schalke 04.

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder is the Lancashire club's second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of Roque Santa Cruz from Manchester City last week, also on loan.

"He's a fantastic signing," manager Steve Kean said of Jones. "Anybody who knows him as a player, he's a natural ball winner, and a very good passer as well." Jones will feature in a closed doors friendly today and could make his debut against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.