11/25/2007
Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Javad Nekounam has been given a huge boost as he battles back from injury by being handed an contract extension at Osasuna that will keep him at the club until 2011.

The Iranian international's previous deal expired at the end of the current season and he feared that he would not have long to earn a new one.

During pre-season training Nekounam ruptured his anterior curciate ligament in his right knee and undewent surgery in Germany to repair the damage.

After being told that he would be out of action for at least six months, the 27-year-old knew that he faced a battle to be fit in order to win a new deal.

Instead, however, Osasuna came forward and placed a new three-year deal on the table which Nekounam and his agent agreed to after negotiations on Saturday.

When signing for the Panplona-based outfit in 2006 from Sharjah, the midfielder put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the option for a third season.

But Osasuna have been so impressed by his performances and commitment to the club that they have torn up the old agreement and given him a long term contract.

Nekounam played 24 times for the team last term and scored twice in his first season in Spain as he helped los Rojillos to reach the UEFA Cup semi final.