Nelson given the go-ahead by Ince to play for New Zealand

NEWLY-appointed Blackburn boss Paul Ince has reluctantly given Ewood Park skipper Ryan Nelson permission to feature for New Zealand at the Olympic Games.

Nelson has been unsettled this summer following the departure of manager Mark Hughes to Manchester City and has been continually linked with a reunion with his former boss at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The 30-year-old no-nonsense defender is one of three over age players selected for the New Zealand under-23 Olympic squad.

Nelsen will face China and Brazil before returning in time for Blackburn's opening Premier League match against Everton on 16 August.

 

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"It is great news," said New Zealand's Under-23 coach Stu Jacobs. "We've managed to get our hands on one of the world's best defenders.

"Blackburn's new manager Paul Ince has yet to meet his new skipper but he said he knew Ryan was desperate to play and given the magnitude of the Olympic Games he was more than happy to help out where he could."

Nelson has not featured for New Zealand since 2004 because of a recurring hamstring injury.

SACHA CLAYTON