SAM Allardyce believes Benjani can regain his Premier League best after admitting his new signing has given him nightmares in the past.

The Zimbabwe international has signed for Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season, with the option of a year’s extension, and Allardyce believes his experience could prove crucial.

Rovers are unlikely to add any more faces to their squad ahead of the close of the transfer window at 6pm today, unless they receive an acceptable offer for Jason Roberts.

Roberts, who scored in the reserves’ 3-3 draw against West Brom yesterday, admitted post-match his Ewood future is still entirely up in the air with several clubs still understood to be considering a late bid for the striker.

Roberts’ departure would then see Allardyce move for Bulgarian ace Ivelin Popov but, with Benjani and Mame Biram Diouf already added to their striking ranks, the club believe they already have their full compliment of four strikers.

Georgian international Zurab Khizanishvili is likely to complete a season-long loan switch to Reading, having enjoyed a spell there last season, while Lars Jacobsen could also depart before 6pm - with West Ham United just one club believed to have shown an interest.

Rovers look like closing the window having not spent any money this summer on signings although it has not been for the lack of trying, with at least three bids turned down for striker targets.

Manager Sam Allardyce though will hope the addition of the experienced Benjani will prove valuable on top of the youthful enthusiasm of Nikola Kalinic and Diouf.

The 32-year-old had endured a difficult spell at Manchester City due to injury and lack of chances but, after proving his fitness at Rovers, Allardyce is hoping to get the striker back firing.

Benjani has been training with Rovers for the past fortnight and, after passing stringent medical tests, will be looking to revive his career in England.

Allardyce said: “He is an experienced Premier League footballer on the front line. There was a little concern about his knee problem, he has convinced us though and the medical staff that will stand up.

“There has never been any doubt about his ability it was just that knee and whether it would impair him to be in the right physical condition to compete in the Premier league.

“He was outstanding against us for Manchester City last season when we lost 4-1 and I also have nightmares about him when he was at Portsmouth when I was Newcastle, he was the main reason we suffered our first home defeat.

“If we can get that level of form and ability back into his play, we will have a tidy striker on our hands.”

Benjani himself is relishing the opportunity of proving himself at Ewood Park having spent a frustrating spell on loan at Sunderland at the end of last season.

He told Blackburn Rovers Player: “Of course it is difficult. If you come into a team and don't sign immediately it will be troubling you.

But now I am happy I have signed..

“If you have some injuries and are not playing, signing for a team with five strivers and a lot of competition like Manchester City it is difficult.

“I am feeling fit, I have proved that and I hopefully I will play. Every striker is happy when playing and scoring goals.

“Blackburn have has impressed me a lot. I have enjoyed for the past two weeks. Everyone was friendly to me.

“I am still waiting for my best, if I am fit I will give my all.

"It would be nice to start with my former team to play and play very well. I hope to play in that game.”