Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has tipped Grant Hanley for a bright future at Ewood Park after the young defender signed a new five-year deal with the club yesterday.

The 18-year-old Scot gave an impressive display on his first-team debut in Rovers’ 1-0 win at Aston Villa on the final day of last season and has already been compared to a young Colin Hendry.

The Scotland under 19 international captained Rovers to the semi finals of the FA Youth Cup last season and has now penned a new contract keeping him at the club until 2015.

Fellow teenage centre back Phil Jones also signed a new five-year deal in May.

After handing Hanley a new contract, Allardyce said: “It’s great news for Blackburn Rovers that another of our talented youngsters has committed to a long-term contract, allowing him time to develop and improve.

“Grant now has both the opportunity and the ability to progress at the top level, as Phil Jones did last season, and he will hopefully play a big part in the future of the club.”