Vogel given green light

Experienced Swiss midfielder in line for Rovers debut

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 26th March 2008

johann vogel

Vogel: Ready to kick-start his career

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Swiss midfielder Johann Vogel is in line to make his Blackburn debut at Reading on Saturday.

The former Switzerland captain signed a two-and-a-half year deal last week following a two-week trial with Rovers and has only just received international clearance.

The 31-year-old was a free agent as his contract with Spanish side Real Betis was cancelled in December following a legal dispute.

But manager Mark Hughes has only just been given the all-clear to select the former Milan and PSV Eindhoven man.

"By all accounts it (international clearance) came through late yesterday, so we're delighted with that, and he is available for selection," said the Blackburn boss.

Good trainer

"He has trained well this week, as he always has done since he walked through the door, so he could come into the equation.

"A little bit of a concern, though, is that he's not had any games of late, but I know if I did involve him he wouldn't let us down."

Vogel has vast experience at European and international level having played for top club sides in Holland, Italy and Spain, while making 94 appearances for Switzerland.

Vogel's career stalled following his ill-fated move to Betis in the summer of 2006, with Swiss coach Kobi Kuhn also overlooking him after the 2006 World Cup, but Hughes is confident the anchor man will be a valuable addition to the Rovers squad.

Accomplished

"I've even played against him, and take it from me, he is a very accomplished player," he said.

"He has a great winning mentality, and that's something I was really impressed with when I met him personally.

"I just feel he is going to be a really good player for us, with the ability to break things up in front of the back four, while he can also pick the right pass and free the attacking players in front of him."