Mark Hughes has signed a new contract which will keep him at Blackburn Rovers until 2010. The 44-year-old Welshman is regarded as one of the Premier League's brightest talents and had been named yesterday as a possible successor for Steve McClaren as England manager.

John Williams, the Blackburn chairman, said: "The club has made significant progress during Mark's tenure and we are delighted that he has signed this new contract - it's very good news"

"Mark has done - and continues to do - a very good job and we are very confident in his ability to drive the club forward."

And while the deal effectively rules Hughes out of the running for England, Hughes admits he could see himself returning to manage his nation in the long-term future.

Hughes said: "At some point in my career I'd like to try international management again - possibly when I'm older and greyer than I already am - but I'm not anticipating getting a call from the FA."

"I'm delighted. We've been talking for a matter of weeks and we've been able to agree on the terms of the contract. I feel there is more work to do here.

"First and foremost my job is to get results and I feel I've done that and the club itself has moved forward as well. I'm excited with what's ahead of us and there's more to come from this squad of players."

Rovers have seen a rapid improvement during his three-year tenure. Hughes was named the Premier League manager of the month for October with Rovers currently lying seventh in the Premier League, just one spot below a European place.