STEVE Harkness will not be in Brian Kidd's line-up at Norwich on Saturday, even though his transfer from Benfica was completed today.

And the Blackburn Rovers boss has already accepted he will not yet be able to call on Darren Peacock's services, despite the fact that the central defender is back in training after a cartilage operation.

Rovers wrapped up the loose ends of the Harkness deal just before lunchtime today.

I understand there were just a few details to be sorted out between Benfica and the player this morning before the £500,000 package deal could go through.

But there was no particular haste at Ewood because Kidd did not intend to include the former Liverpool defender in his plans for Saturday anyway.

Apart from having to obtain international clearance - and that is not always as straightforward as it seems - there was the player's fitness to consider.

Harkness has not been a part of Benfica's plans and has not had matches. So he would not be in the right shape to turn out at Carrow Road.

After Saturday's game, Rovers will have a fortnight to enable him to bed in at Brockhall and that should be of benefit in enabling him to raise his fitness to the level of the rest.

Even though they were not in a hurry, Rovers were still eager to make the signing without too much messing about and the player was keen to return to England.

Chief executive John Williams said today: "I am delighted that we have now completed the deal. We have paid an initial £400,000 with potential for another £100,000 based on appearances."

Rovers first considered a move for Harkness, who celebrates his 28th birthday tomorrow, at the end of last season. But they were prepared to bide their time to ensure they had identified the right man for the right job and, once again, they have made sure they have not paid over the odds.

The asking price from Benfica was said to be much higher at the end of last season than Rovers have paid.

Harkness, who began his career at Carlisle and spent a decade at Anfield, has signed a three-year contract.

Once Graeme Souness was ousted as Benfica boss it became clear that the Portuguese giants wanted to offload their British contingent, including Dean Saunders and Mark Pembridge.

Harkness is well known to Kidd and the Rovers boss now feels he has a strong squad in place with cover for all positions.

But, of course, any departures could change his thinking.

While the chief executive dealt with the fine details of the Harkness move, Kidd was looking ahead to Saturday's vital game at Norwich.

And, with Marlon Broomes ruled out by hamstring problems, Rovers need a replacement to partner Craig Short.

Peacock, who has yet to make an appearance for Rovers in the First Division after injuring a knee during the pre-season tour to Scandinavia, might have harboured hopes of being in contention.

He has recovered from minor cartilage surgery and has been back working with the squad.

It could have been a straight fight for the place between the former Newcastle centre back and last weekend's flu victim Christian Dailly.

But, if Dailly has fully recovered, he is likely to get the vote.

The manager could also consider teenager Martin Taylor for the trip to Carrow Road where Rovers are desperate to register their first win.

But, in the circumstances, experience will probably influence his choice.

Keith Gillespie has been named in a 20-strong Northern Ireland squad to face Turkey at Windsor Park on Saturday week and Germany in Dortmund the following Wednesday, September 8.

The Supporters' Association annual meeting takes place in the Millennium Lounge at Ewood on September 16 (8pm).

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