MARTIN Olsson says that the example set by captain Ryan Nelsen has inspired him to strive to become a Blackburn Rovers legend in the years to come.

Nelsen scored Rovers’ goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Wolves and Olsson believes the 32-year-old’s influence on the rest of the team cannot be underestimated.

The New Zealander has now made 176 appearances during six seasons with Rovers since joining from MLS club DC United, with Olsson impressed by Nelsen’s consistency and determined to emulate his skipper’s success at Ewood Park.

The 21-year-old Swede only has 43 first-team games to his name after moving to England from Hogaborgs in 2006.

But, helped by the encouragement of senior professionals like Nelsen, the left-sider has become one of the rising stars of the Rovers side this season - operating both in defence and latterly on the wing.

“For me Ryan Nelsen shows an example for everybody and he has been doing that for the last few years,” said Olsson, who has previously said he would turn down offers from bigger clubs to stay at Ewood.

“He has played I don’t know how many games for Rovers.

“It’s just fascinating to see a guy who plays every week for the last few years and keeps playing that kind of football, with his ability and the way he leads the team.

“It’s nice to see and of course FROM BACK PAGE everyone wants to be like that.

“I want to stay at Rovers and play that many games.”

Off the field, Nelsen has always appeared mild-mannered and approachable but Olsson says it is the captain’s raw emotion that often drives Rovers on during matches.

“He plays with his heart and he always wants to win games,” said the Swedish under 21 international.

“You can see in his face that he is the one who is emotional.

“It’s very nice to see that kind of emotion from a captain.

“That rubs off on all his other team-mates and we all don’t want to lose as well.

“He’s a good example for all of us.”