BRIAN Kidd was today hoping to complete the first phase of his Ewood rebuilding job and stressed: "It is up to us now."

Benfica full back Steve Harkness completed a medical last night and Rovers were hopeful that last minute "technical hitches" at the Benfica end of the deal would not prevent Blackburn Rovers from completing the signing today.

Kidd, however, was keen to stress the role of Jack Walker and his board in backing the manager's efforts to create a new balance in the squad.

He said: "It's pay-back time. Jack Walker and the board cannot do any more.

"Their support, both personally and professionally, has been unbelievable.

"I couldn't have asked for better support. It is up to myself and the players now.

"The only thing we don't have is the results and I fully accept the responsibility for that - but it is not for the lack of trying.

"We had a look at the balance of the squad in the summer and we spoke about bringing in competition for places and we are nearly getting all the injured players back in training.

"I now have a decent well-balanced squad and what we want to get now is a settled team."

Harkness would cost Rovers £400,000 with a further £100,000 owed to Benfica on completion of 25 first team appearances. That is some way from the £1 million first quoted when Rovers made an initial enquiry about the former Liverpool man in the summer.

Kidd is pleased that Rovers are no longer perceived to be paying over the odds for players.

"I think we have arrested that situation because we are still in pocket," Kidd added.

Today's delay appeared to centre around Benfica's settlement with Harkness but Ewood chief executive John Williams was today in personal contact with Portuguese officials in a bid to smooth over any problems.

Kidd has been an admirer of Harkness since his days in charge of the Manchester United 'B' side in 1988.

Harkness was then at Carlisle and playing in attack or midfield.

But Kidd has tracked his progress and feels that the 27-year-old has all the necessary qualities to help turn Rovers' season around after a return of just one point from the opening three games of their Nationwide Division One campaign.

He added: "Steve is experienced and his distribution is good for service into the attackers. "He was one of the most sought-after youngsters at the time he first came to light.

"I have spoken to him about the football side of things and he seemed very unbeat about that."

Kidd, who was at the Worthington Cup game between Oldham and Stockport last night, held a meeting on Monday with his team to explore reasons their "mystifying" defeat by Barnsley on Saturday.

"We discussed a few things with the players because there's no dictatorship," he added.

Rovers' First Division game at Swindon, postponed on Saturday week, September 4, because of international calls, has now been re-arranged. They will visit the County Ground on Tuesday, September 28 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Tickets are on open sale for Saturday's game at Norwich, price £20 adults, £12 juniors and senior citizens, £5 under-12s.

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