A SHOCK return to Ewood for Colin Hendry does not appear to be on the cards, despite speculation that the Scottish international could be on his way out of Ibrox.

Blackburn Rovers were playing it cool today on reports that Hendry might be heading back for a third stint with the club.

And, while there are understandable reasons for the speculation, there are few real indications that Rovers would make a move for him. Ewood chief executive John Williams said today: "I am sure Brian Kidd will be aware of the situation and may wish to consider it, as he would with any available player, in the overall context of his plans. But there has not been any specific discussion about Colin Hendry." The chief executive also repeated that Rovers did not approach Hendry or Rangers during last season about a possible return.

Hendry has apparently been told by Rangers coach Dick Advocaat that he will be no more than a squad player at Ibrox next season. Following the speculation, Kevin Gallacher was approached by reporters at the Scotland training camp and asked for his reactions if a return to Ewood did come about. Gallacher felt he would be given a warm welcome.

"I would imagine Jack Walker would open the door for him to come back," said Gallacher. "The move to Rangers has worked well for him because he has won three medals.

"There were a few things said when he left Blackburn but these things happen and you can't afford to hold grudges in football. It is up to Colin what he wants to do but I would like to see him back."

It is possible Rangers might want to sell Hendry to Rovers, as they will not yet have paid the full £4 million fee when they signed him last summer. If Hendry went elsewhere, they would have to hand the cash to Ewood to complete that deal.

Despite more speculation in Bury, central defender Chris Lucketti is not believed to be anywhere near the top of Kidd's hit list of transfer targets.

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