Ince confirms performance-related deal for Fowler

Blackburn manager Paul Ince has confirmed Robbie Fowler has signed a three-month performance-related contract.

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Robbie Fowler in pre-season action

The 33-year-old former Liverpool striker, a free agent after leaving Cardiff, goes straight into the squad to face Arsenal at Ewood Park.

Fowler was also offered a pay-as-you-play contract with Cardiff for this season but turned it down after receiving the chance to have a trial at Blackburn.

Ince said: ''I am pleased he has signed as he is a proven goalscorer. It is not so long ago he was banging in the goals at Anfield.

''I believe he can still do it at this level. If he does well there is no reason why we can't extend the deal.''

Fowler has been on trial with Rovers for much of the summer but any deal looked to have stalled last week over the precise terms.

The Lancashire club were keen that any contract offered to the former Liverpool and England star should be on a pay-as-you-play basis given his fitness problems of recent years.

He said: ''I have proved my fitness and the aim now is to be involved in games.

''I enjoyed it at Cardiff and got on well with all the players and the staff. But I do not think anyone would have problems with me wanting to get back in the Premier League.

''The fact that I turned down a contract and was prepared to go on trial in the hope of playing in the top flight speaks volumes.

''I feel fine, my appetite is still big and I want to be involved in the big league. I am grateful for the chance and it is up to me to take it.

''I have always been confident of scoring goals at any level, regardless of the fact I have not played than many games over the last one to two years. My goals per game ratio has been very good.''

Meanwhile, Ince has also invited former Fulham defender Philippe Christanval to train with the club. The 30-year-old Frenchman is a free agent following his release by Fulham after three injury-plagued seasons at Craven Cottage.

''Philippe has been offered a trial,'' said Rovers chairman John Williams. ''He should be taking that up as we speak and it will be probably be for around three days.

''Like I have said before there is nothing concrete but being free agents if they do impress then we can sign them outside the transfer window.''

source: soccernet