ELLIOTT Bennett is set to make his Blackburn Rovers debut in today’s FA Cup clash at Newport County.

And the 27-year-old will go into the third-round tie with praise ringing in his ears from the manager who has now signed him twice.

Rovers boss Paul Lambert first swooped for Bennett after he led Norwich City into the Premier League.

And he went back for the versatile winger this week when he is loan at Championship rivals Bristol City came to an end.

“He was brilliant for me at Norwich; in the Premiership year he was excellent, really consistent, and he played some massive games for us,” said Lambert, who could play Bennett on the wing, in a midfield diamond, or off the front.

“He came in and fitted great. He’s a brilliant professional and he’ll give us something different because he’s got pace. That’s what our team has been lacking.

“We need a little bit more pace and, as I’ve always said, a little bit more creativity. That’s not to put everything on Bennett’s shoulders, but he’ll help us.

“He can run beyond and he’s got pace to get up and down. He was playing very well at Bristol City. He will give everyone a lift.

“Someone once said to me – and it’s true – get people in you can trust and get in ones who are not going to let you down. If Elliott lets me down, it’ll be an honest let down.

“I know what I’m going to get, I know what type of character he is, and he’s a brilliant age. He’s not at his peak yet, which is great for us. I’m looking forward to him being here.”