YOUNG Blackburn Rovers fans have a new hero -- but football-mad schoolchildren have been warned not to copy Shefki Kuqi's unique goal celebrations.

The striker's first goals at Ewood Park in Saturday's 2-0 win over Premiership strugglers West Bromich Albion were celebrated with his trademark 'swallow dive' in front of the Blackburn End.

It was the first time Rovers fans had seen the 28-year-old's celebratory dive and prompted fears he may injure himself.

But today, youngsters were urged not to mimic Kuqi's celebrations in the playground.

Coun Dave Hollings, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for education, called for teachers to stress the point in class.

He said: "Some youngsters do get the impression they're indestructible and they copy goal celebrations. It was great to see Kuqi score but it's important youngsters know not to copy him.

"He said after the game it was something he'd worked on a lot but youngsters could sustain all sorts of injuries."

Former primary school headteacher John Williams, now a Conservative councillor for Livesey and Pleasington, said: "Children do copy their idols and Kuqi will be an idol after those goals.

"It's obviously something he has worked on to make sure he doesn't injure himself but children don't think like that.

"I'm a governor at two primary schools in Blackburn and I'll be asking the heads to have a word with their lads about it. PE teachers also need to think about it."

Stephanie Grimshaw, head at Peel Park County Primary School, Alice Street, Accrington, said: "We play most of our games on hard surfaces so I'd hope the youngsters were bright enough not to throw themselves down.

"But it's something we look out for and make sure they don't put themselves at any risk."

And Peter Jump, head of All Saints Primary, Church Street, Clayton-le-Moors, said: "We're in a bit of a no man's land here with children supporting Rovers, Burnley and Accrington Stanley.

"I saw the celebration at the ground but I think the children at All Saints are too intelligent to throw themselves on to a hard surface. And we ensure all games are monitored."

Kuqi arrived at Rovers from Ipswich Town in the summer.

His former manager Joe Royle said: "I was worried he might injure himself but Shefki's a big lad so I was more worried about our pitch -- he registers a three on the Richter scale!"

After the match, Kuqi said: "The technique is easy enough and I've never hurt myself. I wouldn't risk getting injured."

Rovers today said the goal celebration was something Kuqi had practised many times and manager Mark Hughes, himself a former Blackburn Rovers striker and Wales international, added: "He's a big lad and I'm not going to tell him to stop doing it.

"I hope he gets many more chances to do it."