Ryan Nelsen is delighted defensive partner Christopher Samba has signed a new Blackburn Rovers deal.

Congo international Samba signed a new four-and-a-half year deal this week while central defensive partner Nelsen was enjoying a euphoric week with New Zealand. Both men have been a hit at Ewood Park after arriving for paltry fees with Samba, 25, now valued at many times his £400,000 transfer from Hertha Berlin in January 2007.

"The big man's been brilliant since he's been here," said Rovers captain Nelsen. "He came for nothing and has provided some fantastic service and some quality performances. In the long-term it bodes well for Blackburn's future."

Interest in Samba from teams competing for places in the Champions League would not surprise Nelsen.

"It is up to Chris how far he goes," Nelsen said. "He has all the qualities: height, speed, technique, all that.

"When you have all the attributes it is up to the individual. "If he keeps performing with Blackburn things will happen but I am glad he has signed here."