Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen has pledged his loyalty to the club after speculation he would follow former manager Mark Hughes to Manchester City.

Nelsen insists he is settled at Ewood Park, where he has a lucrative long-term deal.

"I've got four years left at Blackburn and I am very loyal to them," he told New Zealand newspaper The Press.

"They signed me on a five-year deal last year when they didn't have to. It's an industry where you can never say never but at the moment, I'm very happy.

"They're a good bunch of people at Blackburn and it's a good environment to be in."

Former Blackburn striker Alan Shearer is the fans' favourite to replace Hughes and that news has come as little surprise to Nelsen.

"He was a big favourite as he should be," said the New Zealand defender.

"They still chant his name because he was fantastic for the club. But who am I to say who should be there?"

More news from SportingLife.com