Biography:

A talented sporting all-rounder, Ryan turned his back on a promising cricket career to take up a university place in North Carolina, transferring to a football scholarship at California's Stanford University at the age of 21.

He stayed in America until January 2005 when he signed an initial 18-month deal with Rovers after a short trial. He was twice nominated in the MSL All-star side for his performances with DC United and has made a huge impact at Ewood Park at the heart of defence since his arrival.

However the 2006/07 season was blighted by injury, a major hamstring operation in August meant that he missed the first six months of the season, only returning to action in January 2007. Then the trouble flared up again during the following season.

The 2008/09 campaign saw 'Nelly' back to his defensive best, and with the arrival of manager Sam Allardyce, the Rovers captain played a key role in securing Rovers' Premier League status.

After four seasons with the club, Ryan finally scored his first goal, having struck the woodwork on too many occasions to mention, the New Zealand international glanced a free-kick home in Rovers' 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in April 2009.

Penned a new five year deal in July 2007 that sees him contracted with the club until the summer of 2012.