Rovers are pleased to announce the signing of promising young defender Louie Annesley.

The 6’4” centre back joins from Gibraltar Premier Division champions Lincoln Red Imps on a two-and-a-half-year deal through to June 2021.

Born in London, the 18-year-old was on the books of Chelsea as a youngster, before starting his senior career at non-league club Cobham.

After a short spell at Barnet, Annesley joined Lincoln Red Imps in early 2018, making his debut against Welsh side The New Saints in the Europa League.

On the international stage, the talented teenager became the first player to represent Gibraltar at every age group from Under-16s to senior level when he made his national team debut in March 2018 in a 1-0 victory over Latvia. He currently has three caps for his country.

Annesley is expected to initially link up with Damien Johnson’s development squad, as he begins the next chapter of his flourishing football career here at Ewood Park.