WANDERERS have confirmed the signing of Jay Spearing on a four-year deal.

The midfielder is thought to have cost around £2million and goes straight into contention for tomorrow’s game against Reading.

Dougie Freedman was delighted to land his man – who once looked to be on his way to local rivals Blackburn Rovers.

And in bringing the 24-year-old to the club, the Wanderers boss reckons he has signed a player who exemplifies what he is looking for from his squad.

“When we turned up he was out here on loan and he didn’t play for the first couple of games,” he said. “All of a sudden I saw his attitude, buying into what I am doing, and he was there doing afternoon sessions in training upping his game. Just because he is a Liverpool player didn’t mean he went straight into the team – but he worked at his game, bought into how we played, and it suited his style.

“He is aggressive, keeps hold of the ball and breaks up play and we play with a higher tempo when he was in the team.

“It’s a good fit for this football club and he’s a right good asset. He’s a leader on and off the field and if we’re going to be honest and try to get through academy players then he’s an example.”