CHRIS Sutton has been devastated by stories of drinking binges following his decision to leave Blackburn Rovers.

And the hurt felt by the £12 million-rated striker has been heightened by the fact that there is still a chance Sutton could be around to lead the club's drive for a return to the Premiership.

When Rovers were relegated, Sutton triggered a release clause in the renewed contract he signed 18 months ago.

That makes him available for transfer at £12 million, although Rovers settle for a little less than that figure.

But, to date, there has been little concrete interest from potential buyers.

And, since the news of his decision to seek top flight football elsewhere, rumours have been rife that Sutton has been living it up in the pubs and restaurants of the region.

The player's agent and former Ewood keeper, Vince O'Keefe, who works for the Professional Footballers' Association, today rubbished those stories.

And he was keen to stress the loyalty Sutton had shown to Jack Walker and Blackburn Rovers. O'Keefe said: "The rumours are terrible - that's what's really disappointing.

"People were putting it about on the Internet that he was out drinking on the afternoon of the game with Manchester United.

"He was actually at Lilleshall and had pushed really hard to go there and try and get fit.

"He was distraught at not being able to play his part in keeping the club up. And he can't believe that people would challenge that. "There's a lot of jealousy because he wants to move on and play at the highest level.

"He was supposed to have been spotted here, there and everywhere.

"He must look very different in person!

"It's not long since we sued six newspapers when he was supposed to have been at Cheltenham Races when 200 kids saw him sweating blood at Brockhall that day.

"Chris is really, really upset about it all.

"The real, true Blackburn fans and anyone who knows him would dismiss it out of hand.

"People have totally lost the mark with Chris.

"He thinks the world of Mr Walker and Blackburn Rovers mean the world to him.

"If he didn't love Blackburn as much as he did he would not have signed another contact, with safeguards, without hesitation.

"If he hadn't signed that contract he would have been available on a free transfer this summer.

"People forget all that.

"His attitude is that he wants to play at the highest level and progress at international level.

"But it wasn't an easy decision."

Sutton is clearly aware that a return to Brockhall for pre-season training is a distinct possibility if no acceptable offers are made.

O'Keefe added: "He's a professional and he knew that when he agreed to certain characteristics in his contract.

"There has been very little interest, that's the disappointing thing. "Chelsea's has been nothing more than passing interest - that he's a great player.

"Their managing director is on holiday at the moment and someone might still jump out of the pack."

Charlton Athletic are yet to follow up their interest in Blackburn Rovers full-back Gary Croft with a firm bid.

But the indications from The Valley are that Croft is a name in the frame to replace England under-21 international Danny Mills, who has joined Leeds United for £4 million.

Croft recently indicated that he might be ready to move on if he sees little prospect of regular first-team football at Ewood.

Blackburn Rovers begin their 1999-2000 Division One season with a home game against Port Vale on August 7.

Their first away trip, to Huddersfield Town, has been earmarked for live TV on Friday, August 13.

Bolton Wanderers visit Ewood on August 30, Nottingham Forest is the home Boxing Day clash and the season ends at Manchester City on May 7.

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