BLACKBURN Rovers' latest signing Jonathan Stead today vowed: 'I'm ready to prove myself in the Premiership.'

The former Huddersfield Town hit-man finally secured a dream move to the top-flight yesterday after signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with Rovers.

And the 20-year-old striker is confident he has what it takes to bridge the quality gap between the Premiership and the Third Division as he prepares to start work with his new club.

"This is a great move for me and one which I simply couldn't turn down," said Stead, who had smashed in 18 goals in just 31 appearances for Town this season.

"I will be getting the chance to play first-team football at the highest level straight away, I'm sure of that, and it's every schoolboy's dream to play in the Premier League.

"It's daunting for anyone coming into the top division, especially from the Third.

"I am concerned about whether I'll be able to handle it but I've got to be confident.

"If I sit back and just let things happen then they won't, so I'll be giving it a right good go and we'll see where it takes me."

Stead may not have to wait too long for his first opportunity in the top-flight after Rovers boss Graeme Souness hinted he could pitch him straight in at the deep-end against Middlesbrough this weekend.

Souness has already made it clear that he feels Stead could do a job now, as well as being one for the future.

"I spoke briefly to the manager and he said if I'm ready for the chance then he'll give me it and that's all I can ask for," said Stead.

"If he gives me a chance and I don't take it then that's down to me and I'll have to turn the situation around and make something happen.

"But I'm just looking forward to starting training with the rest of the lads.

"It's a schoolboy dream to be playing with the likes of Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.

"I've watched them for years and I can't wait to get up close, watch them in training, and see where they get their tricks from."

Rovers have agreed to pay around £750,000 for Stead but Huddersfield could net themselves a further £500,000 depending on how many appearances he makes and Rovers' finall league position.

Sunderland tried to hijack the deal at the 11th hour but the player had already set his heart on a move to Ewood by that stage, much to the annoyance of Black Cats chairman, Bob Murray.

"We're disappointed not to get Jon Stead and I personally feel let down by his agent," said Murray.

"We faxed an improved offer to Huddersfield. It was accepted and they gave us permission to talk to the player.

"We thought it was happening and then his agent rang later saying that Jon had decided to go to Blackburn - despite stating over the weekend that he only wanted to come to Sunderland. This was totally contrary to all our earlier conversations."

However, Stead countered: "Apparently, Sunderland came in for me late on.

"I don't know if it was anything official or not but I always wanted to come to Blackburn once I knew they were interested."

Meanwhile, Martin Taylor joined Birmingham yesterday in a deal reported to be worth £1.25 million.

The former England Under 21 international has signed a three and a half year contract with the Blues.