COLIN Hendry was cleared last night of any major damage, following the facial injury he suffered in a collision with Tim Flowers against Arsenal on Saturday.
That's good news not only for Blackburn Rovers but also for Scotland, as fears of a long-term cheekbone problem were allayed.
And, with Alan Shearer also on target to be ready for a European Championship finals return, prospects of an intriguing heavyweight clash between the two Ewood stars at Wembley on June 15 remains very much alive.
Hendry's face collided with the flying boots of Flowers and he needed lengthy treatment but still managed to finish Saturday's match.
The injury has now been diagnosed as severe bruising and it remains very sore.
But the central defender is hopeful it will have improved enough for him to take his place in Rovers' side for the final game of the season at Chelsea on Sunday.
"It could have been a lot worse," he said. "I'll be making every effort to play against Chelsea."
Meanwhile, Shearer revealed that, even though it is less than two weeks since he had minor surgery to repair groin muscle damage, light jogging is on the menu as he maps out his recovery.
"Things are going well and I am hoping I will be ready to join the England squad for the trip to Hong Kong and China," he said.
Since it was revealed that Shearer needed surgery and his season would be coming to an early end, the Ewood striker has been overwhelmed by the response from Rovers supporters.
He said: "Please would you pass on my thanks to all the fans who have sent get well messages and cards.
"There have been so many and I really appreciate them.
"But everything seems to have gone well and I feel fine now."
Last night, Lars Bohinen was able to get a full 90 minutes behind him for the reserves in their Ewood victory over Tranmere and that will put him in contention for a place against Chelsea.
It was his first full game in three months, having gone on as a substitute on Saturday.
There's a big game at Ewood tonight when Rovers take on Manchester United in the final of the LFA Youth Cup for professional clubs. A good crowd is expected for the game (kick off 7pm) which must be decided this evening, using extra time and penalties if necessary
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