COMEBACK kid Jeff Kenna today insisted he has not given up on his Ewood career in the wake of his shock recall against Arsenal on Tuesday night.
The Republic of Ireland international has admitted he was stunned when he learned he was in the team to face the Gunners -- almost a year to the day after his last first team appearance.
Now, the 31-year-old is hoping he might get the chance to show he could still have a part to play at Rovers.
But, whatever happens over the next couple of days, he believes his appearance on Tuesday night can only help him in the long-term -- whatever his future holds.
"You could have knocked me down with a feather when I heard I was playing against Arsenal -- I was absolutely stunned," admitted Kenna.
"I'd had a month's loan at Wigan and to be called up for a start against the Gunners was the last thing on my mind.
"I never thought I'd ever wear a Blackburn first team shirt again so to be pitched in on Tuesday night when I thought I'd be facing Notts County was a complete surprise.
"To see my name on the team sheet was an incredible feeling and this has given my career a massive lift.
"There are so many ups and downs in football, you never know what to expect.
"But to get back into the first team was an early Christmas present and I'm so happy to get another chance at Blackburn.
"It's definitely a lifeline but whether I get another opportunity or not is down to Graeme Souness.
"It's totally in the manager's hands as to whether I play for Blackburn again or not.
"But I'd love to help them to a Worthington Cup final as well as establish them back in the Premier League."
Before Tuesday, Kenna's last appearance in the first team was against QPR on December 9 last year.
But since then he has subsequently spent spells on loan at both Tranmere and Wigan.
Had fate conspired differently, he could even have joined the Latics permanently last week after being offered a two and a half year deal by the Latics.
However, Wigan then suddenly had a change of heart when John Benson left to join Birmingham and the move has since fallen through.
"The Wigan move looks completely dead now and there was a bit of talk about Luton coming in as well but I've not heard anything from them," said Kenna.
"I'll just have to wait and see if I'm in the squad for Saturday's game at Newcastle before I know where my future lies.
"I thought I coped well against Arsenal but I'm also realistic.
"I got my opportunity because Lucas Neill was cup tied and there were a few injuries in the camp.
"But the club are going to face a demanding few months and I just hope my opportunity wasn't a one-off.
"I'm convinced I still have a lot to offer Blackburn and I'd love to stay at the club.
"But if that's not possible then at least I've played first team football again at that level and that should help to put me in the shop window."
Marlon Broomes yesterday completed a free transfer move to Sheffield Wednesday, as we first revealed last week.
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