Blackburn allows Ryan to play in New Zealand's Olympic squad

(BEIJING, July 3) -- Ryan Nelsen, captain of Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, will be released by the club for New Zealand's Olympic football campaign, according to FIFA.com.

The 30-year-old Nelsen, who has won 29 full caps for New Zealand, was one of three over-age players in the under 23 squad, which will play the other teams in Group C, China, Brazil and Belgium on August 7, 10 and 13 respectively.

However, Nelsen will not play the last group game against Belgium, for he must return to England to prepare for Blackburn's opening Premier League match of the season against Everton.

The other two over-age players in the team are Glasgow Celtic striker Chris Killen and former Fulham midfielder Simon Elliott. The full New Zealand squad is due to be named on Thursday.