Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Olympics await for Nelsen

02 Jul 2008 - 08:00:35

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Blackburn Rovers have given captain Ryan Nelsen permission to represent New Zealand at next month's Olympic Games.

The 30-year-old defender will take part in his country's first two games in Beijing before returning in time for Rovers' opening Premier League fixture against Everton on August 16.

Nelsen has not represented New Zealand since 2004 due to injury problems, but has been named as one of their over-age players in the under-23 squad picked for the tournament.

"It's great news," said coach Stu Jacobs. "We've got one of the world's best defenders lining up for us in two crucial matches.

"The reality is that the club didn't have to release the player so Blackburn have really come to the party.

"They've got a new manager in Paul Ince who hasn't even met his captain yet but he said he knew Ryan was desperate to play and, given the magnitude of the Olympic Games, he was more than happy to help out where he could."