ALAN Shearer today delivered the eve of Euro 96 message every Blackburn Rovers fan wanted to hear: "I'm going nowhere."
In an exclusive interview, the England striker looked forward to a new season wearing the club's famous blue and white halves.
Rumours have been rife that Shearer was poised for a move abroad - or to Premiership rivals Manchester United.
But, on the eve of England's opening fixture in the eagerly awaited European Championships against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow, Shearer was keen to set the record straight.
"The new new kit looks terrific - a simple but classic design which is traditional Rovers.
"Hopefully I will be as successful in the new shirt as I have been in the past few seasons.
"With the Far East trip and England preparation, I have not been at Ewood Park as often this close season as I am normally.
"But I have been speaking to the chairman and he has kept me updated.
"And in just five weeks it will be back to Brockhall for pre-season training - hopefully with a Euro 96 medal to show Colin Hendry!"
Terry Venables has already told the England squad the starting line-up for tomorrow's game but will not announce the side until shortly before kick-off.
And, while Shearer was keen not to let the cat out of the bag, he was obviously raring to go.
"The Switzerland game cannot come quickly enough.
"Hopefully the hot and humid weather will not prove too much of a factor.
"It is very sapping and we have had a long season in the Premier League.
"But if the weather stays the same then the Far Eastern trip will have been a success because we experienced those conditions out there.
"The media attention from that trip has also brought us together - a little bit closer if anything.
"The 3-1 victory over Switzerland is insignificant.
"That was a friendly and they are an excellent side - or they would not be in the competition.
"But we are confident and ready and waiting for Saturday.
"If we can put in a good performance and score some goals that will be a big bonus. It is going to be extremely tough, and with home advantage, there is no reason why we cannot win Euro 96.
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