JACK Walker has a message for any worried Blackburn Rovers fans - Alan Shearer's future lies at Ewood Park.

And he also made it clear that there is money available for manager Ray Harford to bring in more new stars to play alongside the England striker next season.

As Rovers prepare for tomorrow's final game at Chelsea and a long-shot tilt at Europe, the rumour-factory has been working overtime about what the summer might hold for star striker Shearer.

But Mr Walker deals in facts not rumours and told me: "There is a very positive situation between Alan Shearer and myself.

"And no way is Alan in any doubt about continuing his contract which has three years to run.

"We also intend to renegotiate that contract before it expires.

"In fact you can put it in the paper that I have more problems with you keep ringing me than I do with Alan!"

Mr Walker is a realist and knows that Rovers' chances of claiming the final UEFA Cup spot are slim, even if they win at Stamford Bridge tomorrow (kick-off 4pm).

But, while there will be disappointment at Ewood if Rovers miss out, he dismissed suggestions of any lasting gloom.

"It could be Sod's Law at the end of the day and we could still qualify," he said.

"But, if we don't, no way is there any despondency. "The injuries we have had have been beyond what anybody could possibly believe.

"Look how long it took Jason Wilcox to come back and then there was the dreadful situation with Ian Pearce and Graeme Le Saux.

"When you think how many of the squad have been injured we have done pretty well to recover from that.

"There has always been money to spend but you tell me where you can suddenly buy these players.

"And we have had so many injuries in defence.

"But we will keep on strengthening because we want to be winning trophies, and we have a lot of work to do to substantiate that statement between now and the start of next season."

Mr Walker's words will cheer Rovers supporters, for they emphasise once again his determination to ensure the club competes regularly for honours.

The manager's main problem for tomorrow's game at Chelsea, when Glenn Hoddle will bow out as Stamford Bridge boss, could centre on Henning Berg.

The Norwegian, who is the club's only ever-present in the Premiership this season, has been suffering from tonsilitis but was able to report to the training ground yesterday for the first time this week. Mike Newell looks a major doubt with his hamstring injury, so the strike force of Kevin Gallacher and Graham Fenton could get another run.

Gallacher can celebrate - along with Colin Hendry and Billy McKinlay - his inclusion in the Scottish squad for their USA tour.

All three now look set for Euro 96.

Rovers have named three of their up-and-coming youngsters in the squad and, while strikers James Beattie and James Thomas may well stay behind to play for one of the junior teams, winger Damien Duff is expected to travel.

Recent signing Gary Croft has also picked up a knock playing for the reserves but Chris Coleman and Lars Bohinen are fit again, so there are options.

Rovers' starting line-up is expected to come from: Flowers, Berg, Hendry, Coleman, Marker, Kenna, Croft, Ripley, Sherwood, McKinlay, Bohinen, Wilcox, Fenton, Gallacher, Warhurst.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.