CHRIS Sutton today summed up his aborted season in one word - disastrous.

The Blackburn Rovers striker has been forced to face the fact that the groin injury which cost him a possible second England cap has now ended his part in the Premiership survival battle.

And he might well have to undergo surgery to cure the injury.

"If I thought I could still do a reasonable job I would play but I don't think I can and I have to take medical advice," he said.

"It's a disaster but there's not a lot I can do about it.

"I've had that kind of season, stop-start and much more stop than start.

"My fitness has gradually gone and, with not being able to train, I am losing what little I had.

"I have been playing without training but it has just been getting more and more sore and I am struggling to kick the ball.

"After the Arsenal game it was so sore and I had a jab on Friday to see if that would help. But I can barely kick the ball.

"I would try my best but the advice I have been given is to stop now."

With Sutton now ruled out of the last six games, a decision on whether surgery is needed will probably be taken fairly soon.

For the player knows it is important that he is ready for the start of next season.

"The only thing I can do now is pray that we get enough points to stay up," he said. "It's unbelievable really, you come back from one injury and then get another.

"Now I have to concentrate on getting fit for pre-season. "It's bitterly disappointing but I don't really feel I have been on top of my game because of the injury."

Rovers boss Brian Kidd has had to cope with an incredible injury list ever since he walked through the door in December.

He has had to stage daily training sessions with more than half the squad in the treatment room, then send a patched-up team out for matches.

"I've said before that Sutty's presence alone gives us a lift but it has been frustrating for the player," he said.

"He hasn't been able to train and do himself justice. And when a player says he is in pain you have to listen.

"There's always a price to pay when you keep getting off the treatment table to play and it has caught up with him."

Meanwhile, Liverpool lost Michael Owen through injury in their goalless draw at Leeds last night and the England striker could well miss the game at Ewood on Saturday week, depending on the extent of the damage to a hamstring.

Whether Robbie Fowler also sits out that Ewood clash should also be decided later today.

Fowler is not now expected to appeal against his six-match ban but it is unclear at the moment as to when it will actually start.

Rovers have informed several young players that they will not be offered new contracts when their present terms expire at the end of the season. They have been told early to help them find new clubs.

Striker Jon Topley is training with Wrexham and Ian Richards has attracted interest from Grimsby.

The others are: Gareth Stewart, Ciaran Ryan, Craig Woodfield, Chris Whittle and Paddy Connolly.

Saturday's game at Southampton will be beamed back to the jumbo screen at Ewood, with season-ticket holdwers admitted free.

The only tickets remaining are a few coach\match tickets which are available from the away travel office.

Chief executive John Williams said: "Our allocation of tickets has failed to satisfy the demand. We value the superb support we receive week-in, week-out and feel the beamback will help to alleviate any disappointment among those fans unable to make the trip."

The Jack Walker Stand will be open (unreserved seating) and season-ticket holders will be admitted free on production of voucher S. Charge for other fans is £5, with tickets available from the ticket office on the day of the game. Car parking will be free, subject to availability.

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