ALAN Shearer today sent Blackburn fans and man of the moment Simon Garner a heartfelt message of support ahead of his Testimonial game at Ewood tomorrow.

The former England international was set for a reunion with old friends when members of the Championship team of 1995 play one last match together in honour of Garner.

However, the broken ankle he sustained in the Tyne-Wear derby meant the goal-ace was forced to sit out Newcastle's closing fixtures of the season as well as the testimonial match.

The 32-year-old said: "It would have been great to meet up with the lads again and be at Ewood, but the injury put paid to that.

"I just hope Simon has a smashing time.

"I know how much he did for the club and how much the fans adore him even now, 10 years after leaving the club.

"I still have a lot of friends in Blackburn, and I still look out for their results, so I send my warmest wishes to everyone for what I'm sure will turn out to be a fantastic day."

Shearer is just one of a host of former Rovers stars to send messages of support to the club's greatest ever goalscorer.

Former Ewood apprentice Brett Ormerod might have been busy preparing for today's FA Cup final between Southampton and Arsenal in Cardiff but he still took time out from his hectic schedule to pay a glowing tribute to one of his all-time heroes.

"Simon Garner is an absolute legend," said the Saints striker, who grew up as a Rovers fan and spent several years on the books at Ewood.

"Since I was a kid at school he's been the top man at Blackburn and his status is probably bigger than Alan Shearer's.

"His loyalty and goal record speaks for itself and every kid in Blackburn used to support him and wanted to emulate him.

"I never trained with him but saw him around the ground when I was an apprentice.

"He would walk past and you'd be a bit in awe of him, stopping and staring.

"He gave unbelievable service and thoroughly deserves his testimonial. I hope it's a great day and there's a superb turn-out because he deserves it."

Rovers heroes past and present will turn out in honour of the legendary striker tomorrow as the Championship-winning side of 1995 goes head-to-head with the Worthington Cup winners of 2002.

Kenny Dalglish, the man responsible for delivering that title success eight years ago, will return to manage the team of 1995.

And Wales boss Mark Hughes could make a playing comeback for Graeme Souness's Worthington Cup winning squad after responding to an invite from the organising committee.

Fans are reminded that they can pay at the turnstiles right up to kick-off tomorrow and tickets are priced £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. The match kicks off at 4pm.