image via BBC 

One of the biggest success stories to come out of MLS has been Kiwi Ryan Nelsen.  After leading DC United to a championship, the then 27 years old went on trial with Mark Hughes’ Blackburn Rover and was immediately signed on a free transfer.  In less than 6 months, Nelsen was leading the starting 11 out at Ewood Park and guiding Blackburn (along with Brad Friedel) into UEFA Cup.  Although Nelsen has been a constant in the starting lineup, the pesky hamstring problem he faced last year has flared up again, forcing him to take a couple of weeks off.