Kean joins Rovers backroom staff

Kean left Coventry at the end of last season

Blackburn first-team coach Steve Kean says he is looking forward to being an important part of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff at Ewood Park.

Kean has taken up the role following the departure of former coach Karl Robinson to MK Dons.

Kean told BBC Radio Lancashire: "When I saw there was an opening I was expecting it to be filled almost before it opened.

"When I got the call to come up here for a chat I was very excited."

Kean ended his long association with Chris Coleman at the end of last season, but has admitted to speaking to the former Blackburn defender before making the move.

The former Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry assistant manager said: "I've known Chris and Billy McKinlay for years and when Roy Hodgson was manager here many years ago and I was the youth coach at Reading I used to take time if I had a day off to come up here and watch.

"Chris and Billy were here at the time so I know a little bit about the club. I used to spend the day here talking to Roy about coaching and his experience so it's not the first time that I've been to the training ground.

"I wish I'd been here from day one. I'm trying to spend my time doing as many sessions as I can to get to know the lads., he added.