Jim Jefferies has completed his first signing as Bradford City boss by snapping up midfielder Billy McKinlay from Blackburn Rovers.

The tough-tackling McKinlay, 31, goes straight into the squad for the weekend's crunch clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside after signing with just ten minutes to spare before the midday deadline.

McKinlay has initially signed until the end of the season with the offer of another year if he proves his fitness. He has been troubled in the past by a groin injury.

Jefferies said: "We have been looking at central midfield with David Hopkin being out and now Gareth Whalley injured as well.

"I know all about Billy and we've had to prise him away from Leicester where he has been on loan.

"He has had injury problems but that's the reason we are only taking him until the end of the season. But providing he plays a certain percentage of games he will get another year."

Jefferies has also targetted a centre-half to cover David Wetherall's absence but said: "We've been a bit unlucky on that front. But time was against us."

Andy O'Brien has recovered from bruised ribs and will be fit to make his first start since breaking a collar bone in August.

He will partner Peter Atherton in the middle of defence.