CHRIS COLEMAN has admitted that the biggest fight of his career lies ahead as he tries to win back his place in the heart of the Rovers defence.
The classy Welsh international has slipped to the back of the queue in the fight to partner Colin Hendry since suffering a ruptured achilles tendon nine months ago.
But now, with the all-clear fast approaching, the 27-year-old defender is out to prove to Roy Hodgson that he is the man to partner the giant Scot.
With Hendry, Henning Berg, Ian Pearce, Nicky Marker and new boy Stephane Henchoz all fighting for the central defensive positions, Coleman knows he has to be patient.
He said: "I know I have a real battle on my hands to get back into the side with so many quality players fighting for so few places. But that tells me I am part of a team that wants to win things.
"But I owe it to the club to try my best. I'm not a quitter and won't walk away. While I've been sidelined, the club has been absolutely brilliant with me and in Alan Smith I couldn't ask for a better physio."
Coleman made an immediate impact after his move from Crystal Palace and looked settled in the Rovers side during his 30-game run before being crocked last September. But the Swansea-born stopper has vowed to Rovers fans that the best is yet to come.
"To be honest my form prior to my injury was similar to that of the club, one good game followed by one bad one. I want to get back to full fitness and show the fans what I really am capable of and why I was brought here."
If Coleman's rehabilation goes to plan he should be back in full training within a month and fighting for a first team place by the beginning of September. There is also the matter of rekindling his international career.
He said: "These are very exciting times for the club and I want to be a part of them. Roy Hodgson's pedigree as a coach is second to none and he has brought in some very talented players."
Rovers won their first trophy under Hodgson after winning the Jubilee tournament in Norrkoping in Sweden.
Goals from Kevin Gallacher (2) and Chris Sutton guided Rovers to a comfortable 3-0 win over the host side, while heroics by keeper Tim Flowers ensured Rovers beat Dundee United in a penalty shoot-out to seal the three team tournament.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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