COLIN Hendry will be ready to start pre-season training when Blackburn Rovers report back in early July, after undergoing successful groin surgery this week.

The Scottish international, who played through the pain barrier for much of the second half of the season, is now back in Blackburn after having the operation at a London hospital.

Rest is planned for the next few days before he starts his rehabilitation programme with some gentle exercises.

Hendry-again linked with Newcastle today-is happy that everything seems to have gone successfully and also with the extra time he has to recover because of the close season.

"I'll probably report back a week earlier than most of the boys to get myself ready for pre-season training," he said.

"I would think there will be a lot of changes at the club this summer, especially with the new manager coming in, and I'm glad I've finally got the operation out of the way.

"It means I'll miss three Scotland games, two friendlies and the World Cup qualifying match against Belarus, but that can't be helped." Hendry has been the subject of much transfer speculation in the national Press recently, with reports that Rangers and Newcastle are ready to move in for him this summer. Liverpool are another club who have been mentioned.

Jack Walker has stressed he doesn't want to lose any of the club's stars and it's crucial that Rovers now convince the likes of Hendry, and their other top-class players, by both words and deeds this summer that they are heading back to the top.

The most important thing as far as the central defender was concerned at the end of last season was that Rovers stayed up, and he played a leading part in that. He was also able to turn out for Scotland in crucial World Cup matches as the season built to a climax.

"I got away with quite a lot, but it's over now. I feel I did the right thing and it was just such a relief that we stayed up," he said.

Hendry could have had the operation at any time in the past few months but was determined to hold out as long as possible to try to help the club survive in the Premiership.

He was told by the specialist that no lasting damage would be done by continuing to play and he was a key figure for Tony Parkes.

"At least there's now no need for Colin to rush back, he won't be missing any games for us," said Parkes today.

"Having made it to the close season he can take his time and make sure he's right.

"The extra time will also help ensure it is stable and has been able to heal properly."

Henning Berg, who missed the last Premiership game of the season - once Rovers were safe - has had a troublesome groin injury checked by a specialist back home in Norway.

But the defender said there was no need for concern, the problem was not serious.

Rovers Return £1,677 winner at the Leicester game was J Garstang (Hurst Green) number 321159. The holiday voucher went to D Perkins (Mellor) number 317755 and the autographed football to J McCourt (Blackburn) number 302262.

Latest Double Your Money Club £500 winner is W Wilding (Blackburn) number 578A.

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