OWEN Coyle says he could not afford to pass up the chance to sign Norway international Martin Samuelsen.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder yesterday became Coyle’s eighth signing since taking over the Blackburn Rovers reins after joining on a season-long loan from West Ham United.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The Rovers boss admits he needs to bring in defensive reinforcements after his side conceded 15 goals in their first six games of the campaign.

And, ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Fulham, Coyle was last night working on deals for a centre-back and a left-back.

But the opportunity to bring in Samuelsen, who impressed in a loan spell with Peterborough United last season, was one he had to take.

Coyle said: “I’m always delighted to get very talented players to the football club – and Martin’s an outstanding young player.

“He’s a full international, such is his standing in the game, and we know he will continue to get better. He’s a very exciting player.

“He’s one of a number of players we have been targeting, in all areas of the field, and sometimes they come in different ways, in terms of when you get them in.

“We had to fight off a lot of opposition for Martin’s signature. He was very much in demand. Getting him in will be a terrific boost to the squad and I know he will have a big role to play.

“One of the big attractions was that he could play anywhere across those front positions and he can also play any one of a midfield three because he’s so exciting with the ball, he takes people on and is very effective.

“He’s very flexible, he’s been well taught, he’s a terrific young man, and he’s really motivated to play in the Premier League with West Ham. To do that he’s got to come to Blackburn Rovers, like he did at Peterborough, do really well and light the place up. He has the capabilities to do that.”

Coyle sent head of recruitment Tommy Johnson to watch Samuelsen in action for West Ham’s Under-23s on Monday.

And having saw off a host of clubs for the rising star, who this week signed a new four-year contract with the Hammers, the duo turned their attention to further back the field.

Coyle has two centre-backs in his sights, one domestic based, the other being Lens’ Abdoul Ba, as well as a left-back with experience of the Championship.

He said: “People know we’re trying to improve defensively because we’ve conceded goals we shouldn’t have.

“We’re getting closer to getting a few over the line in that respect. It’s ongoing chasing those targets.

“We also wanted to strengthen the middle area, those forward attacking areas, at the right time, and sometimes when those deals come up you’ve got to move.

“If we’d have waited then we’d have lost out. The interest in young Samuelsen was incredible.

“We know we have to strengthen defensively and we will. Before the window closes I am looking to add four or five to the squad.”

Any new signings wishing to feature against Fulham have to be registered by 12noon today.

And Coyle said: “I’ve been trying to get a defender in for Saturday that helps the group but at one point last night you think you’re close to doing it, and then the next minute you think you’re a million miles away, and then this morning you think you’re close again.

“It’s something we’ll keep pursuing vigorously. Obviously the deadline to play on Saturday is Friday lunchtime. We’re very aware of that and within those time constraints we will try to achieve something.”