Motherwell have signed Blackburn Rovers striker Nick Blackman on a six-month loan deal.

The former Maccabiah star scored nine goals in pre-season for Rovers but will spearhead the team’s Europa League campaign following his switch from Ewood Park.

Blackman said: “My loan to Motherwell is about showing Blackburn I am worthy of a place in their first team.

“This is the last year of my contract so I knew it was going to be a big season and I had to hit the ground running. I just wanted to give myself the best possible chance to try to push on into the first team.

“It is a great opportunity to play European football and for the boys to qualify for the group stage. I started Rovers’ pre-season friendlies against Hearts and Celtic so that must have impressed someone at Motherwell.”

Blackman explained how his performances caught the eye of Well manager Craig Brown, the former Scotland boss.

“I was called into the gaffer's office and told Motherwell were interested so I thought it would be a great move. I spoke to Blackburn coaches Steve Kean and Neil McDonald and they said I should go for it..

“Football can change really quickly. One minute I am playing with reserves, the next I could be playing European football.

“I definitely have the belief that I can get into the Blackburn first team. My aim is to be the club’s main striker but I have to do as well as I can at Motherwell and see where it takes me."

Brown is confident that Blackman can make his mark in the SPL. "Blackman is tall and he's good in the air. He's got pace to burn, a good left foot. He has really blossomed in pre-season. Steve Kean, the first-team coach at Blackburn, said he would definitely score goals in the SPL.

“He's a very, very exciting young striker. He is quick and lively and his movement is good.”