GEORGE Donis's self-imposed exile from top-class football could stretch into the New Year, following his exit from Ewood.

The Greek international star is now back in Athens but struggling to find a new club, more than a month since his contract with Blackburn Rovers was cancelled by mutual agreement.

Despite his reputation and a host of international caps, interest in the winger has been limited.

But it's not a matter of his financial demands being the problem. The restrictions on transfers during the season in several countries are one of the major barriers to him clinching an early deal with another top club.

And, if he decides to stay in Greece, he will have to wait until January for the next transfer window before he is allowed to play.

Originally, Donis wanted to remain in English football and Rovers agreed to let him continue training at Brockhall for a time so that he could keep himself fit. But he decided to return to Greece with his family and that would seem to rule out a move to another Premiership club.

The player's agents are checking around Europe on clubs who might be interested, including Holland, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

And I understand there could be a couple of leading Spanish clubs who might be prepared to make him an offer.

Unless something happens soon, however, Greek football would appear to be the best bet for the lightning-quick winger - even though he faces a lengthy wait before he can actually play.

A close friend of the Donis family told me from Athens: "It looks as though George is going to stay here. He is not training with any club at the moment, only with a former colleague.

"But he wants another club and knows that he will have to accept much less money than he was getting in England."

Donis's appearances were limited at Ewood last season and it soon became clear that he would not figure in new manager Roy Hodgson's plans.

The lack of first team football has cost him his place in the Greek international squad and he was missing when they just failed to qualify for the World Cup finals against Denmark earlier this month.

Rovers will put their ticket allocation for the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (Sunday, November 30, kick-off 3pm) on sale to season-ticket holders only at Ewood this Sunday (10am-2pm).

The credit card booking line (01254-671666) will also be operating.

Voucher U and season-ticket book must be produced. It's one United seat per season ticket and no more than four tickets per person.

Prices are £19 adults, £9-50 concessions and fans should note it is not a Sky TV game.

The away travel office will also be open for coach bookings to the game, price £6-50 members, £7 non-members.

Tickets are also currently on sale for the next two home games against Everton (Nov 8) and Chelsea (Nov 22).

Saturday's game at Barnsley is sold out.

The ticket office and telesales ticket hotline are now open from 9am-5-30pm every weekday.

Rovers Reserves meet Everton at Ewood tonight (7pm) and the squad is: Fettis, Pedersen, Coleman, Gill, Reed, Broomes, Johnson, Andersson, Beattie, Thomas, Wilcox, Worrell, Whealing, Fitzpatrick.

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