WORLD Cup hero Brad Friedel is ready to make Blackburn Rovers his last ever club after putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract.

As we predicted earlier in the summer, the 32-year-old United States international has signed a new four-year contract fresh from his heroics in Japan and Korea.

And that means the former Liverpool keeper is now contracted to the club until the summer of 2006, which effectively ties him to Rovers for the rest of his career.

"From day one at Rovers it's been a very healthy relationship and I've always been very happy here," said Friedel.

"I like the way the club is run and I enjoy the relationship with the fans.

"I have made no secret of the fact that I am happier here than I have been with any club, and I am delighted with the new deal.

"You know, I have absolutely no reason to think about looking elsewhere to play my football now.

"This contract will take me up around 35 or 36 years old, all being well and that's absolutely fine.

"After that, who knows, as a professional sportsman you just want to stay fit and perform to the best of your ability."

Manager Graeme Souness has also hailed the news as a major boost ahead of the new season.

"I'd worked with Brad before and I always knew he was right for this club," said Souness, who brought Friedel to Ewood from Anfield on a free in November 2001.

"Rovers fans have known for some time how influential and capable he is, but I've known for years.

"His performances last year were exceptional and his World Cup displays outstanding.

"But I wasn't surprised a bit. He is very important to our squad and our plans so it's good news all round."

Friedel first became a huge favourite amongst Rovers fans after some outstanding displays during the club's march to promotion a year ago.

But he really cemented his place in Ewood folklore with a stunning man-of-the-match performance in the club's Worthington Cup triumph over Tottenham in Cardiff back in February.

Since then he has confirmed his status as one of the best keepers in the world courtesy of his breathtaking form for the US in the World Cup which saw him short-listed for FIFA's All-star team of the tournament.

"Being involved in a World Cup is a great experience for any player and for the US to go so far was awesome," said Friedel.

"The enthusiastic response we got back home rounded off a truly magnificent tournament.

"Now I'm going to enjoy a break before getting back into training properly.

"With my future at Blackburn secured, I am looking forward to going back to work in the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Friedel has teamed up with his former club Columbus Crew to create a nationally recognised football camp in the United States.

The Ewood shot-stopper has joined forces with Crew and Soccer Ventures in a consortium called 'Premier Soccer Academies' with the aim of aiding the development of young players in the US and helping them to fulfil their ambitions of playing at a higher level.

"I am looking forward to returning to Ohio every summer to work with young American players and to give something back to the communities which helped me get where I am today," said Friedel, who played for Columbus in the 1996-97 season, when he was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

The camps will be open to youngsters between 14 and 19 in cities such as Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

US teammate Desmond Armstrong and former Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder Barry Venison are also involved in the project and will attend the camps as hands-on instructors.

The organisation also hopes to invite guest coaches to certain camps throughout the year.

ITALIAN club Chievo are the latest club to be linked with a move for Rovers winger Damien Duff.