Rovers have made their first signing of the January transfer window with the capture of forward Lucas Joao from Sheffield Wednesday.

The 23-year-old joins on loan until the end of the 2016-17 season.

Born in Luanda, Angola, the pacy attacker moved to Portugal in his teens, beginning his footballing career at Beira Mar Atlético Clube Almada.

In 2011, he moved to Primeira Liga side Nacional, before being loaned out to third-tier side SC Mirandela to gain valuable first team experience.

The youngster enjoyed a successful time at Mirandela, with an impressive 12 goals in 28 appearances, before returning to his parent club at the start of the 2013-14 season.

Joao then spent two further seasons at the Madeira-based club, scoring eight goals in 55 games, before making the move to England in July 2015 when Sheffield Wednesday came calling.

In his first season at Hillsborough, Joao scored eight goals in 48 appearances, including a late leveller at Ewood Park, as the Owls narrowly missed out on promotion, losing to Hull City in the play-off final.

On the international stage, Joao has two caps for Portugal, having also featured at Under-20, Under-21 and Under-23 level.

The forward has been signed in time for Wednesday night's Championship match with Leeds United at Ewood Park, however he is ineligible to play for Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup, having already featured for Sheffield Wednesday in the competition.