BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Billy McKinlay revealed today that he has "never been happier" at Ewood Park.

The Scottish international, currently in rehabilitation after an injury-plagued season, also explained for the first time why he had felt it necessary to hand in a transfer request last season.

But he stressed that the door had now been firmly closed on that chapter.

McKinlay said he had been disappointed to have to resort to a transfer request - rejected by the board - during the later troubled days of Roy Hodgson's reign.

He accepts no-one is guaranteed a senior place but explained: "I felt the situation and the manager's attitude had changed from the previous season.

"I felt I had become third choice (for two midfield places) as opposed to one of three choices, with whoever was playing well in the team.

"That seemed to have changed.

"I was so disappointed to have to put in the request but that situation no longer exists - absolutely not.

"I have never been happier at this club."

Going down came as a bitter blow.

"There was embarrassment and frustration. I don't think a club of our standing should even be in that position," he said. "I was absolutely distraught at relegation."

The midfielder finally had to succumb to groin and pelvic injuries early in February before making an abortive one-match comeback. He is now paying the price for trying to play through the pain, though insists anyone else would have done the same.

And, while his target is to be fit for the start of the new season on August 7, admits he cannot be sure.

Along with Chris Sutton, McKinlay spent a few intensive weeks at Lilleshall and it is hoped that rehab will be the best way back to fitness, rather than more surgery.

"There was a fear that I would have to have an 'op'. I had the original problem in October and thought I might have been okay.

"But virtually every game I played in I was struggling.

"Having said that, I don't think anybody else would have done anything different.

"I don't know if I will be back in time (for pre-season training) because of the problems.

"The main thing is to make sure that when I do come back I am right.

"I would like to be ready for the first game of the new season, even if I was to be a little bit behind the rest of the lads.

"But it doesn't pay to try to come back if you are not right, especially starting a new season."

The injury problems have also cost McKinlay the chance of more international caps at a crucial time for Scotland as they bid to claim a place at Euro 2000 next summer.

But he added: "I always look at the internationals as a bonus.

"Even though I love playing for Scotland, the club is your employer, pays your wages and comes first." Meanwhile, speculation continues over Chris Sutton, with Manchester United the latest club to be linked in a national newspaper with a possible future bid.

With Alex Ferguson looking to expand his squad that could happen. But the situation, confirmed by Ewood chief executive John Williams today, is that not a single offer has so far been received for the striker.

Today's national papers are full of comment about tomorrow's England link-up between David Batty and Tim Sherwood and how their partnership was influential in taking the title to Ewood in 1994-95.

The fact is that Batty did not qualify for a medal. He started only four games that season and made one other sub appearance, because of a long-term injury. And, for one of the games he started, Sherwood was absent through suspension - some title-winning partnbership!

Ewood keeper Anthony Williams will set a new Wales under-21 appearance record in Italy tonight, his 13th match breaking Tranmere striker Lee Jones' previous best of 12 caps.

Neville Southall, who holds the senior record of 92 caps, rates Williams highly. The former Everton keeper said: "He has a great future in the game. He is confident and brave, a fine shot-stopper, and can go on one day to be Wales' number one."

Williams, 21, claimed a remarkable record earlier this season when he saved two penalties in each of the matches against Italy and Denmark.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.