PLAYER PROFILE

Christopher Samba

Position: Defence

Height: 6'5

Weight: 13st 3lbs

Date of Birth: 1984-03-28 Creteil, France

Christopher Samba

In January 2007 Blackburn Rovers wrapped up the signing of Hertha Berlin defender Christopher Samba on a contract running until the summer of 2010.

The 22-year-old DR Congo international impressed while on trial at Ewood Park and said he was looking forward to the new challenge.

He told the club's official website: "It was a good experience in Germany, I think of all the leagues it is the one that is most similar to the English league.

"It is a very strong league, but in England it is more intense and stronger."

Rovers boss Mark Hughes was also pleased that the deal had been finalised, adding: "Obviously we always try to bring players into the club and look at them first-hand.

"I think you get a better idea of what they are about and he impressed us.

"He's a big guy to say the least, he is upwards of 6ft 5ins and a big powerful guy. We think he is a good addition to the squad."

Samba's first half-season at Blackburn was a successful one as he scored two goals in 17 games.

He continued this form in 2007/08 and again in 2008/09 and is now a regular Rovers starter.