Allardyce wants to keep Pedersen

Big Sam Allardyce is confident that Morten Gamst Pedersen will be staying at Ewood Park, past the end of his current contract.

Morten has impressed lately from a more central position after going stale out on the left wing.

Morten has been linked with a move to Fenerbache but it is believed his first choice is to stay here.

But with Rovers largely none comittal on contracts until saftey is assured (Dunn an exception), Pedersen may have to sit tight.

When asked whether Pedersen would be staying at Ewood Park, Sam Allardyce speaking to Sky Sports said - 'Yeah, I think so.

'We all know he is out of contract this year, so we will have to see what we can do about that.

'There's no reason for us to do anything with him at this stage, not unless somebody suddenly pops up from abroad to give him a pre-contract.

'If that was the case then we would have heard about that, so we'll obviously try and continue to talk to him regarding a new contract.'

Allardyce willing admits that the switch from out on the left to being part of a 3 man central midfield is the reason that MGP has been given a new lease of life.

'He is getting more of the ball, become more active,' Allardyce continued.

'He doesn't have to be quite as quick in that position as he does out wide, so doing that has brought the best out of him.

'It's been a major bonus for us and him. It's allowed him to get more involved in the game, to express himself more and he has found more space there.

'He is also finding his quality in the final third, which is something he has done before at this club.

'I hope he continues to grow in confidence like many of the other lads are doing at the moment.

'Some may say it's a long time over due, but if it's back, let's hope it's back for a long time.'

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