Rovers are delighted to announce that defender Grant Hanley has become the latest top young prospect to pledge his long-term future to the club.

The Scotland Under-19 international follows in the footsteps of Martin Olsson and Phil Jones by signing a new five-year contract, which will keep him at Ewood Park until the summer of 2015.

Grant rose to prominence last term, captaining the Under-18s to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup and scoring in back-to-back rounds against Manchester United and Everton.

Despite not being involved with the senior side all season, Grant was handed his Premier League debut on the final day of the 2009-10 campaign and the 18-year-old didn't disappoint, putting in an impressive defensive display in the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: "It's great news for Blackburn Rovers that another of our talented youngsters has committed to a long-term contract, allowing him time to develop and improve.

"Grant now has both the opportunity and the ability to progress at the top level, as Phil Jones did last season, and he will hopefully play a big part in the future of the club."

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