Rosenior extends Fulham contract

Fulham defender Liam Rosenior today signed a four-year contract extension with the Premiership club.

The full-back, who turns 22 on Sunday, has been with the Cottagers since joining from Bristol City in November 2003.

He made 27 appearances last season, and is now considered the club’s first-choice right-back.

“I’m delighted to have signed with the club,” Rosenior told the club’s official website, www.fulhamfc.com, before thanking manager Chris Coleman for giving him his big break.

“The manager has been great with me since I joined from Bristol City – he was the man who gave me my chance and I’d like to repay Fulham and the manager with my performances on the pitch.

“I’m really looking forward to the new season and I think it will be a great season for us and I’m happy to be a part of that.”

Rosenior, whose new deal expires in 2010, has lofty targets for the coming campaign.

“My ambition next season is Europe or winning a cup. People are saying top 10, but you don’t get anything for finishing in the top 10, and I don’t want to be playing Intertoto next year, I want to be playing in the UEFA Cup or possibly even the Champions League – that’s my aim for next year and I wouldn’t have signed if I didn’t believe that.”

Coleman was delighted to have retained the services of the young defender and tipped him for international honours.

“It’s great news that Liam has signed for us today,” the manager said.

“He’s a smashing lad and his commitment and enthusiasm for the game are second to none. His performances last season got better and better and we’ve nowhere near seen the best of him yet.

“He’s a bright prospect not only for us but potentially for his country and I’m looking forward to seeing what he achieves over the next few years.”