Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Emerton ready for long haul

17 Feb 2009 - 13:54:58

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Australia international Brett Emerton has promised that he will return to Blackburn Rovers action next season a better player.

The 29-year-old has returned to his homeland to undergo reconstructive knee surgery after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in last month's goalless draw at Middlesbrough.

Emerton said: "I had a scan done the morning after the game and I couldn't believe it when they told me I was going to be out for six months with a knee reconstruction.

"I've never had a long-term injury throughout my career, so for me to face six months out is something I've never experienced before.

"I see it as another test for me, something I've got to get through and I'm sure I will. And I'll be back just as good as ever, if not better.

"Hopefully the Aussies boys will qualify for the World Cup and the boys at Blackburn will rally together and stay in the Premiership this season.

"It's just so disappointing because we've got a very important few months with Blackburn and with the Socceroos, as well. It's a shame I'm not going to play a part in any of that.

"There's a lot of positives. If it was this time next year, then I'd be looking at possibly missing the World Cup. That would be twice as bad, so I'm trying to put a positive spin on it."