ALAN Shearer was back at Brockhall today, aiming to "loosen up" before starting serious pre-season training with the rest of the Blackburn Rovers squad next week, writes PETER WHITE.

The Ewood and England star, who has been at the centre of a summer of hysterical speculation, arrived early for work.

Though it wasn't his first pre-season visit to Brockhall, as he had called in a week earlier after returning from the Bahamas.

One story circulating that Newcastle were about to re-emerge as the greatest threat to Shearer starting the new season with Rovers seemed to lack foundation.

I have no reason to believe it has any more substance than the other stories which have been doing the rounds.

And the North East club left this morning for a tour of the Far East.

Another report today claimed that Shay Given had signed a new three-year contract with Rovers.

There is no doubt that is what the club would like him to do and talks are likely to be held soon.

But it has not happened yet.

Given will start the season as number two behind Tim Flowers and, with five substitutes allowed on the bench (three able to be used) in the Premiership matches next season, he will be a fixture in the squad.

But Rovers are anxious to secure him on a new long-term contract. He was the subject of a major bid by Sunderland in summer and has also now made the breakthrough at international level with the Republic of Ireland.

Last night, Rovers' under-16 team thrashed Borussia Dortmund 5-1 to reach the final of the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland.

David Dunn (2), Paddy Connolly (2) and James Featherstone got the goals in a tremendous performance.

They now meet Tottenham Hotspur in the final.

The under-14s went down 1-0 to West Ham in the quarter finals of their competition.

Rovers Reserves are due to play two games in Wales this weekend, against Caernarfon tonight and Port Madoc tomorrow.

Latest Double Your Money £500 Club winner is M Geyer, Blackburn, number 291A.

There are a few numbers available, anyone interested should contact the Lottery Office at Ewood.

Paul Astley is running an Amsterdam weekend to take in Rovers' pre-season friendly against Volendam.

The cost of £99 includes two nights stay, coach and ferry. For further details, Paul can be contacted on 01254-583666.

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