Gallagher commits to Blackburn until 2008

The Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher has agreed a new deal to stay at Ewood Park until the summer of 2008.

The 19-year-old, who won his first full cap for Scotland against Wales last month, admitted he was thrilled to sign the four-and-a-half year contract. Gallagher said: "All I want to do is progress my career with Rovers and to sign up for such a long period is great."

The Rovers manager, Graeme Souness, was pleased to secure the future of a player who has made giant strides since making his Blackburn debut against Arsenal a year ago.

The Liverpool manager, Gérard Houllier, is lining up a summer move for the Greek international midfielder Angelos Basinas, 28, a veteran of several Champions' League campaigns. Basinas, who plays for Panathinaikos, who want around £1.5m for him, is keen to come to England after the Euro 2004 finals.