ALAN Shearer last night spoke of the heartache behind his decision to bring a premature end to another sensational scoring season.

And the Ewood and England striker, who rewrote the record books with his 13th minute goal against Wimbledon, is already looking forward to the next campaign when he hopes to win more honours with Blackburn Rovers.

Shearer, who went into hospital today, told me how he had not been able to train for more than two months because of the groin problem which, hopefully, will be sorted out in time for him to play in Euro 96 with England.

He believes it has affected his performances - though opposition defences might not agree.

Shearer, his own biggest critic, also revealed that if it had been possible he would have had his groin operation before last night's game and missed out on the historic opportunity to become the first man to score 30 goals in three successive top-flight seasons.

"I couldn't have the operation before Thursday. If I could have had it this morning, I would have done," admitted Shearer, clutching another man of the match award after last night's two-goal show which helped keep Rovers in the hunt for a European place.

"But I am delighted to get the 30 goals. Missing the last two games means I will probably have to concede the golden boot but I think reaching 30 means more to me.

"I haven't trained for 10 weeks now, I have only been playing games.

"Goals can cover up only half-decent performances and I think that has happened in a number of games. I have got personal pride in my performances and they have not been up to scratch. I wouldn't have done myself or England justice if I had carried on playing."

The rumour-mongers, of course, continue to talk about Shearer's future, even though he has three years left on his contract and said last night that, while it was unfortunate Rovers hadn't won anything this season - "Hopefully, we can put that right next season."

Shearer takes little notice of the speculation and he told me: "I have always said before that there are no guarantees in football. But I am extremely happy here and I will get Euro 96 over and start looking forward to next season."

Immediately after the game, the striker had confirmed his contentment at Ewood, where he has had a special relationship with the fans since his arrival, and said he didn't imagine that changing.

He made that clear that on the field too, punching the air at the end of the game in a gesture of acknowledgement to the Blackburn End.

As for the operation, Shearer said: "It's only a minor operation. I will get it done, come out on Friday, and join the England squad to start my rehabilitation.

"The specialist has said he's had a player back in 22 days, but I won't be rushing."

Victory over Wimbledon sets up a thrilling climax to the season as Rovers go for Europe but they will have to do it without Shearer in the last two matches.

They could also be without Mike Newell, who damaged a hamstring in the early minutes of last night's game.

That allowed Graham Fenton to grab the spotlight again with another winning goal and he could now make the starting line-up against Arsenal on Saturday week.

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