BLACKBURN Rovers' quest for success has made them one of the money-bags clubs of the Premiership.

There may be bigger payers around but bumper fees tend to lead to bumper wages and pound signs can be a persuasive force in any walk of life

But, refreshingly and encouragingly for Rovers, Brian Kidd's latest investment of £3.375 million has landed a player not apparently interested in how many noughts there are before the decimal point.

"People have mentioned finance. But I signed a good contract at Derby and could have stayed there and been more than happy. Money has never motivated me one bit," insisted Lee Carsley, who became the third ex-Derby player in the Rovers ranks when agreeing a four-and-a-bit year deal yesterday. "I'm like everyone, I've got a family to worry about but I come from a place in Birmingham called Sheldon where there's no money at all and I would be happy going back living there," he added.

Talk can be cheap, but first impressions suggest Carsley means what he says.

There was nothing flash about his manner or over-stated about his appearance when he met the Press at Ewood Park.

And his desire to further his career, with the knowledge that his family will settle in the North West, seemed a genuine reason for him to have swapped a chase for a Uefa Cup berth for a relegation dogfight.

Not that the respective current fortunes of Derby and Blackburn came into it for the 25-year-old midfielder, who is taking the longer term view and backing the greater potential at Ewood Park under Kidd.

Carsley said: "In making my decision to come here I didn't consider either League position of what I was leaving and what I was gaining.

"I looked at Blackburn as joining the club and the manager and I think I've made the right decision. "When Derby played here at the start of the season I was impressed with everything about Blackburn.

"I thought they would be at least pushing for Europe this season but that hasn't been the case. They have had a lot of injuries and a lot of suspensions and I think they are in a false position.

"He (Kidd) explained what he was trying to build here and the way he could develop me as a player and that's what most appealed to me.

"I've signed a long-term contract so I see my long-term future here.

"For the length of contract I've signed, which is four years, I think in four years big things will be happening here.

"When I spoke to the manager we spoke for a couple of hours and not once did he mention relegation.

"He was positive and said he could bring my game on and make me a better player. I want to be the best footballer I can be and I think joining Blackburn and working with the gaffer can definitely make me a better player.

"It's a massive club. Blackburn won the League a few seasons ago and the team the gaffer is going to build, I want to be part of that." Birmingham-born Carsley has played all his football at Derby, having joined the club as a trainee.

A no-nonsense midfielder who is a proven performer in the Premiership and now an international with the Republic of Ireland, he will provide the graft that Rovers have missed in the engine room since Billy McKinlay gave way to injury.

One of Derby's unsung heroes in their climb towards the higher echelons of the Premiership, Carsley may be ready to blossom further on a new stage.

"I've been at Derby nine years. It doesn't feel like a wrench at the minute but I suppose it would be more of a wrench for my wife who was born there.

"I have a lot of fond memories of Derby but my future's here now," he added. "I spoke to Christian Dailly after I spoke to the manager and asked him what training was like and what the atmosphere was like and he gave a glowing report on the club in general.

"He said everyone was so friendly up here which is so important if I'm going to bring my family up here. We will be able to fit in."

Kidd also believes that Carsley will fit in, helping not only to win the fight to stay up this season but to help take the club forward again in the future.

"Not just ability-wise, he's the type of person and character I want for Rovers in the club," said the Blackburn boss, who cited the player's energy and range of passing as major attributes which he believes will develop further.

"I honestly believe there is a lot more to come from him," Kidd added.

"He is a great age at 25 and I think it's a really good buy. I am delighted that he considered us in the first place and then decided to join us."

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