Fans' favourite Samba to sway to Rovers beat

Blackburn have given their Premier League survival hopes (Blackburn 8/1 Premier League relegation prices) a shot in the arm by committing towering defender Christopher Samba to a new long-term contract.

A delighted Ewood Park chairman, John Williams, confirmed the 25-year-old giant and fans' favourite had extended his future with Rovers until the summer of 2014.

He said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure Chris on a new long-term deal, which is an important one for the club."

Samba, a £400,000 bargain buy from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin in January 2007, has emerged as a key member of Sam Allardyce's squad and last season was deployed as an emergency striker when it appeared Rovers were heading for the drop.

Williams added: "It (the new deal) has been richly deserved through his performances over the past few seasons."

Australia midfielder Vince Grella could come into contention for the derby against Allardyce's old club Bolton (Bolton 6/5, draw 9/4, Blackburn 23/10 match bets) at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday following groin and hamstring injuries.

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