Gary Bowyer: Blackburn Rovers boss pleased with striker options

Gary Bowyer led Blackburn to eighth in the Championship last season

Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer is happy with the attacking options in his squad after signing free agent Luke Varney.

Varney, who has agreed a one-year deal, will compete with Jordan Rhodes, Rudy Gestede and fellow new arrival Chris Brown for a starting spot up front.

"The four of them are very competitive and it gives us different options," Bowyer told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We've got a good combination and a good mix. I'm looking forward to working with them all."

Bowyer continued: "I wouldn't want to be playing against Rudy, Brown or Varney in the air. Your other option as a centre-half is to mark Jordan and I wouldn't fancy that either."

Varney, 31, spent the final three months of the season on loan at Blackburn and has joined on a permanent basis after being released by Leeds.

He failed to score for Rovers, although only three of his 12 appearances were starts.

"At the time when we brought Luke in, we knew what he could bring to the side," said Bowyer.

"Unfortunately for him, it coincided with Rudy and Jordan hitting their best form of the season. He (Varney) drove them on. He's a good addition to the squad."