PLAYER PROFILE

Ryan Nelsen

Position: Defence

Height: 6'1

Weight: 14st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1977-10-18 Christchurch, New Zealand

Ryan Nelsen

Defender Ryan Nelsen signed an 18-month contract with Blackburn Rovers in January 2005.

The New Zealand skipper impressed during a series of trials with the Lancashire club, and moved from Washington-based side DC United, where he had been instrumental in their Championship run.

"I feel great, it is a fantastic club here," Nelsen told the club's official website.

"The first day I got here I was so happy, the management, the players, the facilities, it was awesome, so I'm glad now that it is officially done.

"I'm so happy that I can now roll my sleeves up and get to work.

"Everyone wants to play in the Premiership and Blackburn have given me an opportunity and I thank them for that, and I'll be working really hard to please them.

"You want to play at the highest level and this is it, everything at Blackburn is top class."

His first five months at Ewood Park proved to be a great success as he made 20 appearances for his new team, which increased to thirty-six in 05/06 as he became a crucial part of Mark Hughes' plans.

He was made captain in the 2006/07 season, but injuries reduced his appearances to only 19. He recovered from this, however, and played a vital part in the Rovers defence in 2007/08.

He continued this impressive form in 2008/09 and signed a new five-year contract with the club in April 2009.