BLACKBURN Rovers’ newest recruits look set to be unleashed on the Premier League as boss Steve Kean tips them for ‘fantastic’ Ewood Park futures.

Argentine midfielder Mauro Formica and Spanish striker Ruben Rochina have travelled with the first team squad for a break in Dubai and could make their debuts as early as Rovers’ next Premier League outing.

The duo signed for Rovers late on transfer deadline day but have not yet been included in Kean’s first team squad as they adjusted to life in England.

But after impressing over the past fortnight, on and off the field, Kean has hinted both could come into contention ahead of a crucial trip to Aston Villa in 11 days time.

When asked whether the pair could feature at Villa Park, Kean said: “Not possibly, it is probably.

“The break has come at a good time for them. They know the lads, they have settled into their houses and are raring to go.

“Ruben and Mauro, if you see them out on the training ground have certainly got potential, it is just integrating them into the squad and showing them how we want to play.

“I am sure they have got fantastic futures ahead of them. They have fitted in excellently.

“Also off the pitch they are fitting in well. Matt Hocking, our player liaison officer, has got them into properties and so they are settled in and raring to go.”

Rochina is understood to be slightly ahead of Formica in terms of being ready for selection, having already played and scored in a behind closed doors friendly against Wrexham.

The 19-year-old striker signed from Barcelona for in the region of £500,000 and, although unlikely to be given a starting role, could be included on the substitutes bench for Rovers’ trip to the Midlands.

Formica, 22, is also progressing well despite having his pre-season interrupted in Argentina disrupted by a slight injury and could again come into contention if he continues to impress during the next two weeks.

Rovers are understood to have spent £3million on the man Kean describes as ‘a young Gabriel Batistuta’ and he believes putting their faith in youth during the transfer window was the prudent way to go.

“For the young guys we are bringing in potential and looking to develop them into players,” he said.

“That is what we looked to do in January because the prices for established players was far too inflated.

“You look at Liverpool buying Andy Carroll and they are also buying potential, but it has obviously cost them more than it cost us.

"The fee surprised me for Carroll but needs must. In January prices are inflated, the selling club knows the buying club ate desperate and the price gets put up.

“When it comes to the summer, it is more settled, people take more time looking through their squads and I think the prices are more sensible.”