COLIN Hendry was visiting hospital for X-rays today, with fears of cheekbone damage to the Blackburn Rovers star overshadowing the controversy caused by refereeing decisions in Saturday's crunch Euro-clash against Arsenal.

Hendry, handed the supporters' player of the year trophy before the game at Ewood, was involved in a horrifying second-half collision with goalkeeper Tim Flowers.

And, after treatment at Brockhall yesterday, it was decided the big, brave Scot should have precautionary X-rays.

If there is any major damage, Hendry would certainly be ruled out of Rovers' final game at Chelsea on Sunday, when the dream of claiming the last European place could still be alive - just, depending on midweek games.

But, a longer-term concern is the fact that the European Championships are almost upon us and Hendry is a key figure in Scottish boss Craig Brown's plans.

"It's not thought there is anything broken but I need to have x-rays to be sure," said Hendry, who was still in pain.

"A lot of people thought I did it in a first half clash with Ian Wright.

"But it was when I collided with Tim's boot in the second half."

Typically, Hendry carried on with Chris Coleman already absent through an ankle injury sustained with Wales. But, cruelly, he was at the centre of the penalty decision which gave Arsenal a reprieve, on a linesman's flag. He protested his innocence, saying: "There was a mistake on both sides. Mine was trying to shadow the ball out. Ray Parlour managed to get his foot between my legs to nick the ball, then he pushed me and we just both fell down together."

It looked innocuous, certainly compared to two claims by Rovers which were waved aside at the other end.

Tim Sherwood was the victim of one of them and, asked about the two claims, he said: "I know mine was definitely a penalty.

"I found that (the decision) very hard to believe, even more than the penalty they got.

"The only way they were going to score was with a little bit of help."

Retiring referee Keith Cooper, who also sent off Billy McKinlay, said: "It breaks your heart but you have to do what you have to do."

On the Arsenal penalty incident, signalled by linesman Barry Priest, he added: "The linesman had a good view and I would trust Barry to the hilt. He's a guy you want in your corner when the going gets tough."

McKinlay will have to serve a one-match suspension at the start of next season, after being dismissed for two bookable offences.

Rovers Reserves entertain Tranmere tonight and the game is at Ewood (kick-off 7pm), NOT Deepdale as was reported on local radio this morning. Lars Bohinen is hoping to get in some match practice and Rovers are expected to choose from: Mimms, Hitchen, Whealing, Bohinen, Coughlan, Marker, Gill, Holmes, Warhurst, Cassin, Morgan, Goodall, Holt, Croft.

Rovers A team went down 2-0 away to Crewe.

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