Duff relieved to sign new contract with Blackburn

The future looks bright at Blackburn: Damien Duff has signed a new contract, David Thompson has joined the club and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, Corrado Grabbi has emerged as an important part of manager Graeme Souness’ plans.

Duff’s new four-year deal will stave off interest from would-be suitors such as Liverpool, while Thompson’s acquisition strengthens a side who could challenge for Europe if they escape serious injury and suspension problems.

Irish winger Duff always insisted he wanted to stay at Blackburn, and for once a player appears to have put loyalty at the top of his list of priorities.

Duff said: “I’m just glad to get it all out of the way. I’ve always been happy at Blackburn but this has been hanging over me for a while and it’s a relief to finally get things sorted.

“So it’s done and dusted now and I just want to concentrate on doing my best for the club.”

Souness said: “Historically, goalscorers and really creative players go for the really big money. Damien is a really creative player and has the potential to be a top player. There’s not many of his type around and that’s why we value him at £20million-plus.”

Meanwhile the Football Association are looking into other sporting precedents as they decide whether to charge Roy Keane with bringing the game into disrepute.

The FA are expected to announce next week that Keane will be charged as a result of his apparent autobiography admission he deliberately targeted Alf Inge Haaland for a revenge foul.

The Manchester United captain could be banned for up to four matches if he is found guilty of the charge.

However, the FA are conscious that Vinnie Jones received a suspended six-month ban and a £20,000 fine after his controversial video in 1992.

They are also aware of Lions winger Austin Healey having blamed ghost-writer Eddie Butler for outspoken comments in which he labelled Australian lock Justin Harrison as an “ape” before a Test match.

FA chief executive Adam Crozier revealed: “I’ve spent time reading the book and we have spoken to Manchester United and Manchester City over the past few days.

“Some time ago, we also wrote to Roy Keane asking for his observations. As is fair and normal, he was given 14 days to respond and that expires at the start of next week.

“We are looking at whether what Roy Keane said has brought the game into disrepute. Whether or not it was a pre-meditated tackle is the issue.”

There is uncertainty over whether Keane faces an operation on a leg injury and cynics have suggested this could coincide with any suspension.

“You can’t pick and choose when a player is suspended,” added Crozier.

“But it would not be right to prejudge whether he should be charged or what punishment would be appropriate if he was charged and found guilty.”

Crozier is confident England captain David Beckham will supply them with a copy of his own autobiography to vet before serialisation next year.