Friedel gets new Blackburn deal

Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel has signed a contract extension that will see the American stay at the club until at least 2010. The keeper has spent 10 seasons in the Premiership since completing his move from Liverpool.

Friedel, who expressed his delight at the new deal, quipped: "I'm delighted to have extended the agreement by a further 12 months. It was not a difficult decision to make.

"Blackburn Rovers is home to me. This is my club and I have a special affinity with it."

Blackburn have always been keen to hang on to the American in the face of interest from Arsenal and Tottenham in recent seasons.