ROVERS legend Alan Shearer has been ruled out of an emotional return to Ewood Park.

The former England captain today confirmed he's had to pull out of Simon Garner's Testimonial game after X-rays revealed he had broken his ankle in Saturday's North East derby with Sunderland.

News of Shearer's withdrawal comes just days after Chris Sutton, the other half of the famous SAS strike-partnership, was also forced to pull out of the match due to Celtic's involvement in the UEFA Cup final.

Organisers admit the absence of Sutton and now Shearer is a major blow but the situation can't be avoided after Newcastle's medical staff admitted their star man faces upto eight weeks on the sidelines.

Richard Slater, chairman of the Simon Garner Testimonial Committee, said today: "Like all Rovers fans, I would have loved to see Alan line up with Simon.

"But these injuries mean that can't happen now and, at the end of the day, Alan has to do what's best for him in this situation.

"We'd just like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best for a speedy recovery."

Garner added: "I know Alan wanted to come down for the day but circumstances are against him. He sent his best wishes and that's greatly appreciated.

"I just hope he's back playing again very soon."

Shearer, who was named in the prestigious PFA Team of the Season earlier this week, played a massive role in Rovers' success in the early 90s with an incredible 130 goals in 171 games.

But the injuries he sustained at the weekend mean the former England hero will now miss out on an emotional reunion with his former team-mates.

"Unfortunately, that's it for the season," said Shearer.

"I knew my game was over after the tackle -- my ankle was kicked and twisted at the same time.

"Right ankle, right hand and right side of my forehead -- I'm sick.

"I tried to get on to the team bus after the game with crutches but I couldn't because of my right hand! I was a bit of a mess, really, but there you go.

"But let me say immediately there was nothing wrong with the tackle that led to my ankle injury. No blame to the lad at all."

Despite Shearer's absence, the Garner Testimonial committee are still hopeful that more than 10 of the 1995 championship-winning side will appear in the game.

Fellow strikers Mike Newell and Kevin Gallacher are among the players who have already confirmed their attendancy.

But the return of Shearer would have given the game even greater appeal.

The 32-year-old was named the Premier League's Overall Player of the Decade at the PFA's annual dinner on Sunday night, to add to the Domestic Player of the Decade and Outstanding Contribution to the FA Premier League awards he won earlier this month.

Shearer said: "It is a tremendous honour. I remember vividly the first game I had in the Premier League back in August 1992, when I was with Blackburn Rovers, and was fortunate enough to score twice - and what a 10 seasons it's been for me since then."

Rovers midfielder Alan Mahon has returned to Ewood Park following the end of his loan spell to Cardiff City.

City boss Lennie Lawrence ruled out a permanent move for the player.

Striker Marc Richards has been told his contract with Rovers will not be renewed. He is currently on loan at Swansea.