Keith Gillespie, Blackburn's new £2.35 million signing, says his career has come full circle to manager Brian Kidd.

Rovers manager Kidd had a major influence on the young Northern Irishman when he joined Manchester United as a trainee in February 1993.

But Gillespie and Kidd parted company in January 1995 when the winger joined Newcastle as part of the record-breaking Andy Cole transfer.

Now the Bangor-born player is hoping Kidd can take advantage of the player he has become.

"He (Kidd) had a big influence on my decision because I rate him very highly as a coach," Gillespie said.

"Blackburn are a club with a lot of ambition, and although I only found out about it yesterday it didn't take me long to make my mind up.

"It was a wrench to leave Newcastle. I enjoyed my years there, but the chance to team up again with Brian was too good to resist.

"This is a second major move for me, but I feel very happy about it and I just want to get out on the pitch and play for Blackburn.

"My injury problems have all cleared up, and I've been playing without any trouble whatsoever."

Kidd admitted that perhaps he had inadvertently been responsible for Gillespie leaving United four years ago.

"We had just beaten them, and I remember walking along the touchline talking to Kevin Keegan," Kidd said.

"We spoke of what a great raw talent he was, and I think it stuck in Kevin's mind when the move to bring Andy Cole from Newcastle to United reared up."

Gillespie added that he would still be a Premiership player next season with the Ewood Park club despite their precarious position.

"I know their position in the league doesn't look good but I think it's a false picture. There are too many good players here, and I feel sure we can pull through," Gillespie said.

For Kidd, the signing represents great value for money in his first major signature.

And he added that he saw the 23-year-old as the first piece in his extensive team building.

"I don't have to justify this signing, because Keith is pure quality," Kidd said.

"He is one of a dying breed, and I believe his best years are ahead of him.

"It means we will be well blessed in attacking areas, and I am delighted that Keith has agreed to come here.

"He is quick and has power and is another piece in the jigsaw. I also believe he will prove a big favourite with the fans.

"Jack Walker and the board gave me great support in making this happen."

At Newcastle, Gillespie's move appears to have paved the way for the £4.5 million-rated Ibrahim Ba to complete his move from Milan.

Ruud Gullit had already raked in £11.9 million since taking over from Kenny Dalglish through the sales of Steve Watson to Aston Villa, Stephane Guivarc'h to Rangers and David Batty to Leeds.