EWOOD misfit Simon Grayson could be handed the chance to resurrect his career in the Far East when his contract runs out in the summer.

The 32-year-old defender is currently interesting a number of clubs in Japan and China as World Cup fever takes a grip in Asia.

And the former Leicester full-back admits the idea of starting a new life abroad is something that appeals as he prepares to call time on his Rovers nightmare.

"I know my contract won't be renewed at Blackburn when it expires so I'm currently trying to get fixed up with something else," said Grayson.

"And up until now, I've had some quite strong enquiries about playing over in China and Japan.

"I wasn't too sure about it at first but then I had a chat with my wife and family and thought it might be a good idea.

"At the moment, football's really taking off over there because of the World Cup but it's not just that which appeals, it's the chance to sample a whole new culture and lifestyle as well.

"After not playing for so long, I just fancy the idea of doing something different and the fact that my young boy is still only three means we won't be disrupting his life too much either."

Grayson has endured something of a nightmare couple of years at Rovers where he has been limited to just a handful of first team appearances over the last two seasons.

But now he's relishing the chance to make a clean break when his current contract expires.

And apart from interest from the Far East, I can reveal several Nationwide League clubs including Barnsley, Sheffield United and Hull have all expressed an interest in his services in recent weeks.

"Ideally, I would probably prefer to stay in England but I don't want to drop down to the Second or Third Division if I can help it after spending most of my career at the top level," said Grayson.

"The main problem with Nationwide League clubs at the moment, though, is everyone seems to be waiting to see what happens with the ITV Digital situation before they make a move for anyone.

"So I'm just keeping my options open but a move abroad could well be the answer."

Meanwhile, Rovers boss Graeme Souness believes Irish wing-wizard Damien Duff is destined for greatness providing he continues to develop at his current rate.

Duff is currently in the form of his life and Souness believes he will only get better as he prepares to take the World Cup finals by storm with the Republic of Ireland later this summer.

"Damien excites people, he runs at people, he's very direct, he can dribble and he wants to do well," said Souness.

"I would say he can only get better because of the type of boy he is.

"He's not going to let anything cloud his ambition. He's not going to be turned by stories linking him with other teams.

"His head is not going to be turned by people saying nice things about him.

"He's a very down to earth, solid guy and I think he's destined for greatness because, other than injury, I can't see anything stopping him because his head will not be turned."

Such has been the impact Duff has made he was linked with a £10 million move to Liverpool earlier this week.

But Souness has moved quickly to ward off interest in his star winger by insisting he is simply not for sale.

"We haven't been contacted by anyone about selling Damien Duff," said Souness.

"He's not for sale. We're in a very, very fortunate position because of one man so we are not a selling club and he's not going anywhere, end of story."