Accrington Stanley sign ex-Blackburn man Amine Linganzi

Accrington Stanley have completed the signing of DR Congo international Amine Linganzi on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old was released by Lancashire neighbours Blackburn Rovers in January, having made just four appearances in three years at the club.

Midfielder Linganzi, who had a spell on loan at Preston in 2011, has signed for the rest of the season and may make his debut against Cheltenham on Saturday.

Stanley slipped into the League Two relegation zone last weekend.

But manager Leam Richardson is hopeful that Linganzi's arrival will help lift the club away from trouble.

"He's a great prospect and has a good pedigree," Richardson told the club website.

"He adds presence and great quality, so the sooner we can get him up and running and up to match fitness, the better for the team and the squad."

Linganzi added: "It was an easy decision for me to come here. There is a big difference between League Two and the Premier League, but today it doesn't matter to me. I need to play and enjoy my life and enjoy my job."