Portsmouth made a late move for Reid

Premiership newcomers Portsmouth had attempted to hijack Reid's move to Ewood Park, but the 22-year-old signed a four-year contract with Blackburn on Monday.

And Rovers manager Graeme Souness was delighted to add the Republic of Ireland midfielder to recent signings Brett Emerton and Lorenzo Amoruso.

"I feel we will be stronger than this time last year," he said.

"We've signed Steven and I'm delighted to have him on board. I think Lorenzo and Brett are good signings for us as well."

Souness is interested in making more new signings, but insisted he would not rush to spend the money raised from the sales of Damian Duff and David Dunn.

He added: "We've had five players leave the club and I think we've replaced fours, so we've got a bit to go.

"We've not spent any of that money yet - this is money we set aside.

"We are going to try and be cautious. I've got confidence in the squad and I'm not going to rush out and spend money."