BLACKBURN Rovers last night were given a major psychological boost ahead of their Premiership opener with Portsmouth by persuading Ryan Nelsen to sign a new four year contract.
The New Zealand international, who was a summer target for Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, has ended speculation regarding his future by putting pen to paper on a bumper new deal.
News of Nelsen's signing' is a major boost for Rovers boss Mark Hughes and a massive blow for Redknapp, as the Kiwi becomes the latest player to have snubbed the South Coast club's advances during the closed-season.
Rovers' chairman John Williams is delighted to have secured Nelsen's long-term future, following hot on the heels of Morten Gamst Pedersen, Steven Reid and Tugay, who all signed contract extensions earlier in the summer.
He told the Telegraph: "Ryan Nelsen is a very important player to Mark Hughes.
"He's 28 years of age, he's in his prime, and everyone knows about his history and the contribution he's made at this football club, so we're delighted to get it done."
Nelsen's new pay deal puts him on a par with the leading wage-earners at the club, and reflects his status as one of the key players in Hughes' first team squad.
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