ZURAB Khizanishvili has always been a popular figure at Ewood Park even though his appearances have often been limited.

The cocktail of being a likable individual, a dependable defender and a real team player has seen him fit in well at Rovers during his five years at the club – with his commitment to the cause never in question.

The Georgian’s popularity could soon be on the wane though and, whether it is his fault or not, the long-drawn out end to his Rovers’ career is certainly a sad state of affairs.

Sam Allardyce clearly sees no future for him in Blackburn. He has made that clear by handing him just two Premier League appearances in his 19 months at the club – none at all last season.

That is of benefit to neither hound nor hare and, while Rovers are obviously keen of off loading him from their wage bill, the player himself should be desperate to find himself a new beginning.

It is hard for the Georgian and, of course, he has no obligation to leave the club this summer with a year remaining on his contract. After all it was Rovers who opted to offer him a three-year extension in 2008.

But what good will remaining at Ewood Park do Khizanishvili? His stock and reputation have already largely reduced over the last couple of inactive seasons, another year out in the cold and his career could be almost irretrievable.

Rovers will allow him to leave for free and there is believed to be interest out there in him. Maybe he won’t get the money he is on at Ewood Park, but what he will get is football.

At just 28 years of age, he can still have his best years ahead of him. Undoubtedly a fine footballer, he could move on and prove Sam Allardyce and his predecessors wrong.

Rovers’ current financial situa-tion could certainly do without covering the burden of Zurab’s wages for another season.

Inevitably he will get a few reserve appearances, although even that Rovers could do without with Iain Brunskill’s second string side seen as of more of a development XI these days.

His chances of first team football are nil. Rovers have to name their 25-man squad for the Premier League season by the end of August and you can be sure Zurab will not be in it.

Speaking from personal exper-ience, Zurab is one of the nicest people in football. He has time for everyone and has never spoken a word against Rovers despite being largely ignored.

He has every right to sit tight and make sure he makes the best decision for himself and his family but, for his career, he needs to move on now.

There will be many who believe he should have played more than he has at Rovers but, with Phil Jones and Grant Hanley now pushing senior centre backs Chris Samba, Ryan Nelsen and Gael Givet, sixth choice should not be good enough for him.

Move now and he will always be remembered fondly by everyone connected with Rovers.

Stay for another season and it could become a bitter end, and an unnecessary one at that.