CHRIS Sutton is bang on course to start pre-season training next week along with the majority of Blackburn Rovers' first-team squad.

And that's a terrific boost for the player, as well as manager Ray Harford, who will welcome having the £5 million striker back in contention.

Last season was such a disappointment for Sutton, mainly through his injury problems.

But he now believes the worst is well behind him and is past worrying about that troublesome ankle tendon injury.

"I really am looking forward to getting back into things and starting afresh with the new season," said the striker who made only one brief senior appearance as a substitute and played just one reserve game after Christmas.

The problems stemmed from an ankle he damaged on a treacherous surface at Coventry in December but he said: "It seems to be okay now, apart from a little bit of stiffness which doesn't bother me.

"I need to come back fit next week. That is what I am working on at the moment and I should be starting off pre-season training on the same level as everyone else."

Sutton has really grafted to ensure he is in peak condition for the new season and Ewood physio Steve Foster said: "Chris has been doing well and working very hard.

"It's just been a matter of building up his fitness and everything seems to be going to plan.

"He should be on schedule to start with the rest of the squad next week."

Harford has been linked with several forwards this summer and the money is available for Rovers to make another major signing.

But the manager said he would still be delighted to have Sutton competing for a place again.

The competition to partner Alan Shearer in attack looks like it is going to be red hot.

Rovers' pre-season friendly at Preston on Monday, August 12, has been made all-ticket. They are expecting a decent allocation later this month and details will be announced when they arrive.

Meanwhile, Rovers' Official Away Travel Club are taking bookings early for all the pre-season friendly matches in England as they begin on the last Saturday of Blackburn's annual holiday weeks.

The other games are at Colchester (Aug 3) and Cambridge (Aug 5).

The Independent Supporters' Association are holding a meeting at Ewood WMC tonight (8pm), everyone welcome.

Bradlow Racing Group are offering odds of 14-1 against Rovers winning the Premiership title next season.

Manchester Utd are 2-1 favourites, with Newcastle 3-1 and Liverpool 7-2. Rovers are joined on 14-1 by Aston Villa and Arsenal.

William Hill are offering even money that Alan Shearer will finish next season as Rovers' top League goalscorer.

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