YOUNG striker Nick Blackman has become Sam Allardyce’s first signing as manager of Blackburn Rovers.

The academy product made just one start, and scored one goal, since signing professional forms at Macc in 2007, and followed former manager Paul Ince to Ewood Park this season.

The 19-year-old has now signed a contract until 2011 with Rovers.

Chairman Mike Rance said: "Nick’s been at Blackburn for a long time, but we’ve not been public about it. He’s now got a great chance to develop his career at a Premiership club."

"I’ll be interested to see how he gets on," added Keith Alexander. "He needed to get his attitude right but no one could question his ability."