Soccer: All Whites skipper's Premier League trial extended

All Whites skipper Ryan Nelsen will spend an extra week trialling with English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

Nelsen, 26, currently plays for DC United in the United States, but Blackburn manager Mark Hughes told the club's website that Nelsen's stay at Ewood Park would be extended.

"Ryan's only had a few days with us so far, but he's obviously keen to make an impression," Hughes said.

"We have asked him to stay for another week. Like most managers I am actively looking to see how it might be possible to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.

"But I am not interested in simply bringing bodies in. I am only interested in people I feel could make an impact."

Nelsen recently captained DC United to their fourth Major League Soccer championship in nine seasons and the defender was also named in the league's 11 for the second consecutive year.

He also led New Zealand at the Oceania Nations Cup tournament in June where they finished third behind Australia and the Solomon Islands missing an opportunity to play Australia for a spot in the Confederations Cup.

Blackburn are currently struggling in the premier league with just two wins from 16 matches.

They are currently in fourth to last place -- one-point above the relegation zone.

- NZPA