WHETHER you're a fan of Manchester United or not, news of David Beckham's injury came as a major body-blow to the whole nation this week as the countdown to Japan begins in earnest.

I, personally, am a big Beckham fan because as a fellow professional you can't help but admire what he's achieved in the game.

And the fact he's now struggling to make the World Cup is a devastating set-back for everyone with England's best interests at heart.

Ever since Peter Taylor first gave him the captaincy, David has been awesome whenever he's pulled on the famous three lions.

And he virtually got us through to the finals single-handedly thanks to a stunning performance against the Greeks.

We can only hope and pray that he makes a swift recovery.

I've never had an injury like the one he sustained against Deportivo but from what people tell me it usually takes about six weeks to heal, which still gives him a chance of being back in time - so we'll have to wait and see what happens.

As for my own chances, I was flattered to hear what the gaffer had to say about me earlier this week and I would obviously love the opportunity to show Mr Eriksson what I can do.

But I can't afford to start thinking about that just now because my number one priority has to be to help Rovers stay in the Premiership.

If I can turn in some decent displays for Blackburn between now and the end of the season then that's the best way of making an impression.

But asking a lot for anyone to force their way into the reckoning at this stage with less than two months to go.

Whatever happens between now and then, I'm starting to get excited about the tournament.

I remember watching Italia 90 as a kid when Paul Gascoigne starred for England and there's always a magical quality about a World Cup.

As for issues closer to home, I thought we performed admirably against Chelsea on Wednesday night and with a bit more luck in front of goal we could have taken all three points.

We are now effectively four points clear of Ipswich and another win might be enough.

But we won't stop working flat out until we are mathematically safe and a win against Middlesbrough on Saturday week would go along way towards achieving that.