SWEDISH starlet Martin Olsson has committed his future to Blackburn Rovers for a further five years.

The 22-year-old, who emerged as a key figure for Sam Allardyce's side last season as Rovers clinched 10th place in the Premier League, has signed a new contract which will keep him at Ewood Park until the summer of 2015.

The deal comes hot on the heels of Martin making his senior international debut for Sweden after a string of under-21 appearances - scoring twice on his debut in a recent 4-2 home win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

And Martin is the second top young prospect to pledge his long-term future to Rovers, with teenage defender Phil Jones also having signed a five-year deal earlier this close season.

Martin, who originally arrived at Ewood in January 2006 on a trial from Hogaborgs BK with his identical twin brother Marcus, was voted the club's young player of the season in 2007-8 after making his debut as a substitute in December 2007.

But he really emerged as a key figure in Big Sam's team last season as the manager switched him from left back to left side midfield to great effect, with a string of memorable performances as well as some key goals.

His stunning strike in the 6-4 defeat at Aston Villa on the Carling Cup semi-finals was judged Rovers' 'Goal of the Season' by supporters.

Martin also hit the winner in a key 1-0 success against Hull City as Rovers launched on a run of eight unbeaten home games to surge towards the top half of the table.

"Signing a new contract is easy for me after the enjoyment of last season," said Martin. "I gained a lot of confidence, through both the management and my team-mates, and I thought I improved game by game.

"I got my chance and I felt I took it and it doesn't matter to me whether I am seen as a left winger or a left back, as long as I am playing and contributing then I am happy. But I must say that I have enjoyed the forward role and the chance to get in among the goals.

"I have relaxed more and I am already looking forward to next season for I feel I can get better."

Big Sam added: "Martin was outstanding for us last season, a young player who came in and made a magnificent contribution. He has really started to understand the game and now knows how best to use his talents to the team's advantage.

"I am absolutely delighted that another of our young starlets has pledged his long-term future to the Rovers - that can only be good news, very good news indeed."

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