Paul Salmon's Rovers blog

As a Rovers fan this week for me has been dominated by the news surrounding two of our most popular and consistent players, Brad Friedel and David Bentley.

The rest of the country finally had to take notice of what all of us at Ewood have known for ages, as Bentley produced a fantastic performance for Capello's New England in a confident manner which belied his lack of international appearances, and surely now the place in the team is only his to lose?

You have to go back a long time to find a Rovers player who last started a game for England (possibly Tim Flowers - any offers?) but now is the time for David to kick on and make the number seven shirt his own, and such a step up to the next level can only benefit Blackburn Rovers FC.

I think the various journalists and pundits alike ranged from pleasantly surprised to positively raving about his display which sends a message to other young English players, both at Ewood and elsewhere that coming to a club like ours can most definitely enhance your international career. Bentley took that risk when he left Arsenal, but regular football and an astute manager have catapulted him into the limelight. Those critical of the club in the recent transfer window will do well to remember that he is under a long term contract, and that sometimes keeping players of this quality can be just as important as acquiring them.

Final mention has to go to Brad Friedel, who this week signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2010, taking the big American, whom I believe has recently taken Tim Sherwood's record for all time Premiership appearances whilst at Rovers, upto 10 years service at the Ewood Park.

Rovers have been blessed with many great keepers of the years, but I wouldn't swap Brad with any of them. Fans throw the term "Legend" around a little to easily these days, but would anyone deny our Number One that title now?