MARLON Broomes has signed a new five-year contract with Blackburn Rovers, committing himself to Ewood on a long-term basis.

Great things are expected from the 19-year-old central defender, who has played for the England under-21 side before he has made a senior competitive appearance for Rovers.

And with the club maintaining an interest in Norwegian international Tore Pedersen, who is set to leave German side St Pauli, Roy Hodgson's revolution is continuing to roll steadily along.

Reports that Rovers have already signed Pedersen are premature but he did impress the manager in a recent trial spell and a transfer clearly remains a distinct possibility.

If it does go through, that could spark more speculation about Ian Pearce's future, as Crystal Palace have been monitoring his situation for some time.

Broomes, who joined Rovers from the FA National School of Excellence, has represented England at all levels up to under-21 and he has started to knock on the first team door at Ewood.

Hodgson has included him in recent squads and the youngster was on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday.

He played a dozen League games for Swindon last season, in a three-month loan spell to gain experience, and is fast becoming a genuine contender for a senior place.

The player's progress has certainly been noted at international level, illustrated by an invitation last year to link up with the full England squad for training. Broomes said: "I'm very pleased as I'm happy at Blackburn and feel settled. Now I can concentrate on getting into the first team."

Meanwhile Colin Hendry has withdrawn from the Scottish squad who are due to play Belarus on Saturday.

The Rovers defender, who was knocked unconscious for more than two minutes during Saturday's game against Crystal Palace, has taken the advice of medical experts.

"Contrary to reports, I have not had a brain scan but I saw a neuro-surgeon in Manchester yesterday and he assessed me," said Hendry.

"His advice was not to play and, after consulting with Craig Brown, my own manager Roy Hodgson and the club medical staff I have decided I must withdraw from the game.

"I would play with a bad ankle or other things, I've often ignored injuries in the past. But this is a bit different."

Hendry revealed that he had been told by the Rovers boss that he wouldn't have selected him if the club had been playing this weekend.

"In general it seems a two-week break is about right and the Leeds game is 15 days after the collision," added Hendry.

"But it could be that I will see someone again next week for another check. You can't be too careful."

Broomes lines up for Rovers Reserves tonight (kick-off 7pm) against Liverpool at Ewood. Luke Staton who is in the England under-18 squad to face Yugoslavia at Rotherham next Tuesday, along with Martin Taylor, also plays.

Per Pedersen, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, has the chance to get back in action.

The squad is: Williams, Croft, Whealing, Gill, Reed, Broomes, Johnson, Fitzpatrick, Pedersen, Staton, Duff, Beattie, Coughlan, Brown.

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