THEY'VE clashed three times on the pitch and had numerous scraps on the training field, but on Saturday, June 15 Alan Shearer and Colin Hendry face each other on one of football's greatest stages.

Rovers' two true world class stars come face to face at a highly-charged Wembley in a Euro '96 showdown which could determine whether England or Scotland will go through to the quarter finals.

In what will be a fever-pitch atmosphere as the Auld Enemy clash all eyes will be on the fascinating duel between the best striker and the best centre half in the country.

They first met on the pitch when Shearer was at Southampton and Hendry wore the colours of Manchester City before they joined forces at Ewood Park.

Since then, neither have looked back. Super Shearer rattled in 37 goals last season as he became the fastest player to reach 100 Premiership goals, while heroic Hendry was voted Rovers' best player for the second time in four years.

And the clash was given extra spice when Shearer broke his 21-month international goal drought with a thunderbolt in the 1-1 draw against Switzerland.

Not to be outdone, Hendry, in his first appearance in a major international tournament, starred as Scotland held Holland to a 0-0 draw.

It was a fighting performance from the boys in blue as Holland threw everything at them. Hendry was his usual commanding self and he knows he will have to be just as tough and uncompromising when he faces Shearer and the England attack.

Said Big Col: "Alan is a very committed player and I know he'll be going flat out. Everyone is really looking forward to Saturday's match. It should be a cracker."

Hendry could be joined in battle by Ewood teammates Kevin Gallacher, who started against Holland, and Billy McKinlay who came on to replace him.

Previous giants' clashes? December 9, '89 and December 29 '90 when Saints beat City 2-1 and on November 2 '91 when Hendry got his revenge in a 3-0 win.

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