MARTIN Taylor has rounded off a memorable week by agreeing a new deal to stay with Blackburn Rovers.

The defender, who scored twice against Newcastle on Saturday, has signed a contract which will keep him at Ewood Park until the summer of 2006.

Manager Graeme Souness hailed the news as "major business" for the club, saying: "Martin is a fine prospect who has what it takes to go on and reach the very top by becoming a full international.

"He has great speed and awareness and the touch of a midfield player.

"On top of all of that he is only 22, which is a baby in terms of the position he plays, and he is keen to learn and improve."

The England Under 21 international, a product of the Rovers youth system, said: "Blackburn is a club going places, you can really sense that, and I am very happy to be getting the opportunity to secure a long-term future here."

Ewood chief executive John Williams added: "Martin has emerged as a key member of our senior squad over the past year or so and we are delighted to have signed him up for a further four years.

"His new improved contract also underpins our policy of ensuring that young players who come through the system and prove themselves are not disadvantaged when it comes to new contracts."