Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

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

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Rovers welcome back Nelsen

01 Apr 2008 - 07:43:50

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Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes was delighted to have skipper Ryan Nelsen back in action in the goalless draw at Reading.

The 30-year-old centre-half had been sidelined for more than two months, but lasted the full 90 minutes against the Royals to hand Rovers a much-needed boost.

Hughes told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I was pleased with Ryan and that was probably one of the main positives on the day.

"I thought he looked strong, he looked assured and he looked like the Ryan Nelsen of old.

"When I spoke to him after the game, he was really positive and felt that the injury was fine.

"He was blowing a bit towards the end, as you'd expect, because he's been out for ten weeks, but he was very much back and on the front foot again, so we are pleased with that."

Nelsen himself added: "It was my first 90 minutes in a while, so it was really good to come through it and we got a clean sheet as well.

"I don't want to curse myself, but I felt pretty good to tell the truth. Obviously, my fitness wasn't as good as I would have liked, but I'm getting close.

"I feel my speed and my sharpness is coming back, so I just need a few more games now."