MORTEN Gamst Pedersen is confident Blackburn Rovers can qualify for the Europa League under Sam Allardyce after yesterday signing a new four-year deal at Ewood Park.

The 28-year-old winger ended intense speculation over his Rovers future by committing himself to the club until the summer of 2014.

Pedersen’s decision to extend his six-year stay in East Lancashire came after weeks of uncertainty, with Palermo, Fiorentina and Galatasaray among a host of European clubs reportedly keen to lure the services of a player out of contract this summer.

But he insists Rovers were always his ‘first choice’ and admits the appreciation of the club and its ‘great supporters’ were chief factors in his decision.

And now the Norwegian international is relishing the next four years at Ewood and believes that – after helping steer the club to 10th in the Premier League this season – Blackburn boss Allardyce is building a side capable of qualifying for European football in the near future.

“Our manager is one of the top managers in Britain. I’m confident that he will build a team that can be competitive in the Premier League,” said Pedersen.

“Anything can happen. Fulham was the perfect example of that when reaching the final in the Europa League this season.

“I am confident our manager will bring us up to the level where we can compete for a spot in the Europa League.

“Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal may be the big four clubs but Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton are all challengers for a Champions League spot. This shows the strength of Premier League football.”

Signed by former manager Graeme Souness in August 2004 from Norweigan side Tromso for £1.5m, Pedersen has gone on to make over 240 appearances for Rovers and scoring 38 goals.

During that time, Pedersen has enjoyed two seasons in the previously-named UEFA Cup, in 2005/6 and 2006/7, and he is looking for more European adventures as he bids to complete a full decade of service to Blackburn.

He said: “There aren’t many footballers who get the opportunity to stay with one Premier League club for 10 years. I did and I want to honour that.

“I feel devoted to Blackburn and the team. I’ve been with Blackburn for six years now, during that time I’ve experienced ups and downs, high and lows but I’ve always felt appreciated and the club has great supporters.

"Those are factors that I value highly and they make me want to go that extra mile.

“Looking forward, Blackburn will have an interesting mix of young talent and experienced players this upcoming season.

"I want to be a part of that. I’m also hoping for a chance at Europe again.”

Pedersen added: “There’s been a lot of speculation about me going elsewhere but Blackburn always was my first choice.

“It’s been a time-consuming process for both parties but there was never any drama or hard feelings involved.

“We’ve always been on good terms, it just has taken a little longer than expected.

“I’m pleased and very proud to re-sign with Blackburn and I look forward to another four years and new challenges with the club.”

Allardyce was delighted to have secured Pedersen’s signature having revealed at the end of last season that the Scandinavian may move elsewhere.

”Pedersen is one of our most dedicated and professional players,” said the Rovers boss.

“We’re glad to finally have a contract in place and look forward to the new season.”

Blackburn chairman John Williams added: “I’m delighted that Morten has signed a new four-year contract.

"What appeared to be a lengthy negotiation was always carried out in a positive constructive manner with Morten making it clear that he wanted to stay.

“Sam will be delighted. He made this, together with finding a striker, our summer priority.

"He regards Morten as a key member of the squad and his future at Ewood Park is now secure.”