EL ZHAR SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION

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Nabil El Zhar has signed an extension to his current Liverpool contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2012.

The 22-year-old, who made 19 appearances for the Reds' first-team last season, follows Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Daniel Agger in committing his long-term future to the club.

The Moroccan international joined Liverpool from Saint Etienne in October 2006.

The youngster was born in France and played for Les Bleus at youthlevel before defecting to Morocco, where his parents were raised.

He first caught the eye during the 2005 World Youth Championships when he helped his country reach the semi-final stage.

Our No.31, who can play on either flank or behind the striker, madehis Reds senior debut as a 71st minute substitute against Portsmouth onNovember 29, 2006. It was the first of three appearances in 2006-07.

The following year saw El Zhar score a 25-yard stunner in front ofthe Kop during his first start of the campaign against Cardiff City inthe Carling Cup.

He found the net again during his senior bow for Morocco versusBelgium in March 2008 before helping Liverpool Reserves clinch the2007-08 national title.

Last campaign was El Zhar's most productive one yet at Anfield ashe played a prominent role in some of the Reds' dramatic early seasoncomebacks, leading manager Rafa Benitez to describe the winger as a'lucky charm'.