Source: Team_Talk
New boy Van Heerden to beef up
Allardyce has no doubts about the South African midfielder's quality, just his ability at the moment to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
Van Heerden, 25, has secured a two-year deal at Ewood Park after arriving on a free transfer from Belgian side Club Brugge.
Allardyce told the club's official website: "We need to build him up as he is not the biggest of lads, then I am sure he will make an impact as the season progresses.
"We have signed a very talented young man. He is a great addition to the squad. He has lots of pace, lots of ability and can play wide right and left.
"He's had a couple of injuries, which have been hiding his talents but we have monitored him over the last few months."
Allardyce was looking to boost his midfield options with Aaron Mokoena joining Portsmouth and Tugay retiring.
Van Heerden has good experience in European football, starting his career at FC Copenhagen in 2002. He then moved to Brugge four years later.
Capped 25 times, he is currently with the South Africa squad preparing for the Confederations Cup.
However, Van Heerden is already looking forward to a new challenge in England.
"It's a great move for me after what has been a less than memorable experience the past year," he told South Africa's Independent newspaper.
"The supporters were fantastic to me. They even handed in a 2,000-signature petition a month ago to the management of the club for me to stay but it was better to move on.
"Blackburn opens up the biggest chapter in my career and I will try repay them for showing faith in me by playing my best football.
"I have no doubt that I am joining a club which will once again be on the rise."
