GEORGE Donis is still determined to make an impact on the Premiership and, if possible, with Blackburn Rovers.

The Greek international star revealed exclusively to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in April that he needed to know if the club really wanted him.

And a recent report suggested that the former Panathinaikos star, currently back home in Greece for the close season, is seeking a move this summer.

But Donis has not been looking for a new club and is eager to prove his worth when new manager Roy Hodgson comes in at the beginning of July.

Several Spanish clubs are believed to have been monitoring the winger's situation at Ewood for some time.

But a close friend of Donis said from Athens: "George is hoping that the arrival of a new manager will be the chance he needs to make a fresh start.

"He is very happy with the move to Blackburn apart from the fact that he has not played many games since Ray Harford left.

"All he wants is a chance to show what he can do. At the moment he is looking forward to next season with Blackburn." Donis is proud of the fact that he became the first Greek to play in the Premiership and, even though he has not been playing regularly for Rovers, his international place has not been in jeopardy.

He is highly regarded by the Greek national coach who knows his capabilities.

The lightning-fast winger scored two Premiership goals for the club last season, following his free transfer move - under the Bosman ruling - from Panathinaikos to Ewood in the summer.

A number of top clubs had been trailing him but he opted to join Rovers. He started 13 of the first 14 League and cup games of the season but, from the beginning of November, was in the starting line-up on only one more occasion.

That was against Sunderland in March and injury meant Donis had to be substituted before he had time to make an impact.

In addition, he was on the bench for 21 games, getting into the action a dozen times.

Rovers supporters have perhaps not yet seen the best of Donis. It takes time for players to settle at a new club and especially so when they move to a different country. But Hodgson will have to decide whether he sees an Ewood future for the player.

The new boss has already had talks with Graeme Le Saux about his position, with the club anxious not to be forced into parting with their top stars.

Others such as Lars Bohinen, whose international chances have been affected by a lack of regular first team football, will no doubt want to know what prospects await them in the coming season.

Meanwhile, Stephane Henchoz has completed the final formalities of his £3 milion transfer from Hamburg and will return to Ewood Park for the start of pre-season training next month. Henchoz is currently on a family holiday.

Kevin Gallacher took another giant stride to the 1998 World Cup in France after the Rovers striker helped the Scots to a 1-0 win in Belarus yesterday. Scotland are top of Group Four, four points clear of Austria who have two games in hand.

Henning Berg was in action for Norway against Hungary in Budapest as the Norwegians ground out a 1-1 draw to leave them as firm favourites to qualify from Group Three.

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