WING wizard Damien Duff today delivered the news all Blackburn Rovers fans wanted to hear by agreeing to sign a new four-year contract with the club.

The 21-year-old wide man has been the subject of intense speculation this summer with Newcastle United boss Bobby Robson reportedly keen to take him to St James's Park.

But the Republic of Ireland international has put an end to fans fears that he is ready to walk out of Ewood by committing his long-term future to the club. Duff was already contracted to Rovers for another two years.

But that deal has now been torn up and he is delighted to have put pen to paper on a new four-year contract which commits him to the club until the summer of 2004.

"I'm only too pleased to make this commitment," said Duff.

"This is my club, I've always been very, very happy here and now I want to play a major part in taking us back into the Premiership." Manager Graeme Souness today expressed his delight at securing one of his top stars on a long-term contract. The Ewood chief has been hugely impressed by the young Irishman since he arrived at the club three months ago.

And to tie him to Rovers for the next four years comes as a massive boost as he plots Rovers promotion challenge for next season. "Damien is obviously a player with enormous talent and a real Blackburn Rover to boot," said Souness.

"It's around players like him that this club's future depends. He already had two years of his contract to go and to sign him for four is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club," he added. Duff has become one of the hottest properties outside the Premiership thanks to some inspired performances for Rovers last season.

And his dazzling displays down the left flank saw him sweep the board in the club's end of season player of the year awards.

Chief executive John Williams has hailed the coup as another vital step in the club's rebuilding plans.

And he has promised fans more good news in the next few weeks as Rovers close in on a couple of transfer targets.

"It's a major step forward and it shows how keen we are to keep hold of our top players," said Williams.

"We've a big season coming up and the fans can be assured that we intend to be active in the incoming transfer market over the next few weeks."