JASON Wilcox has committed his long-term future to Blackburn Rovers by agreeing a new five-year deal at Ewood Park.

And Rovers boss Brian Kidd has also moved to secure the next generation of rising stars at Blackburn by signing up teenage defender Martin Taylor on a five-year contract.

Twenty-seven-year-old Wilcox, already Rovers longest serving player after coming through the ranks at Ewood, has agreed a new improved deal to confirm himself as an integral part of Kidd's plans.

Club secretary Tom Finn confirmed: "Jason has signed a new contract up to 2004 which would take him to 13 years service which in this day-and-age is a terrific achievement.

"He's obviously happy under Brian Kidd and we are delighted that he's committed himself in effect for the majority of the rest of his career."

Wilcox, capped once, forced his way back into the England squad for the national side's friendly with France last month.

And his versatility has proved invaluable for Rovers in an injury-hit season as he has played in his usual wide role, as a striker and in central midfield. Injuries, suspensions and his own progress have also allowed Taylor to come to the fore this season, the 19-year-old making his first senior start in Rovers' Premiership clash at Coventry City a fortnight ago.

"We are delighted that he has committed himself to us," said Finn.

"While you need your senior international players to be committed to the club, it's also about developing talent."

Meanwhile, Rovers winger Keith Gillespie will grit his teeth and play for Northern Ireland against Moldova on Wednesday even though he is not fully fit.

Gillespie admits he is short of match sharpness having just returned to action with Blackburn following an ankle injury. And a hamstring problem dogged his build-up to Saturday's Euro 2000 3-0 defeat against Germany which he started but failed to finish.

However, Kidd's £2 million mid-winter signing does not want to withdraw from the Irish squad and he is prepared to soldier on against Moldova in Chisinau.

"I've not played for the last two or three weeks and I'd been injured since twisting my ankle," he said.

"I played 10 minutes in the last league game but it's difficult to perform when you've not been playing regularly.

"Missing training does set you back a bit, especially when you then try to step up to international level.

"Against Germany towards the end I just felt my hamstring cramping up a bit and to be honest I'm surprised I lasted as long as I did.

"The more games I play the more match fit I will get. It's all about match fitness now and I need matches at the end of the day.

"A lot of it is down to adrenaline during games and hopefully if selected I can put in a good performance on Wednesday."

Another Rovers player hoping to bounce back from injury on the international stage is Welsh striker Nathan Blake.

Blake has just returned to training following an Achilles tendon problem but has linked up with the Wales squad for their Group One qualifier in Switzerland on Wednesday.

Rovers have poured cold water on reports linking them with Rangers defender Sergio Porrini.

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