LEEDS, October 9(Mail/lnternet): Chris Sutton faces a second scan on the stress fracture in his left ankle ,. \i week but. injured or not. he has committed himself to Blackburn Rovers.

In a reversal of the current trend of disloyalty within football. the 25-year-old striker insists that, despite the interest of Aston Villa, he will stick by the club that made him their highest-paid player.

Blackburn said this week that Sutton, their leading scorer last season with 21 Premiership and Cup goals, was not for sale at any price despite an inquiry from Villa manager John Gregory that could have led to an £11 million offer.

Ewood Park manager Roy Hodgson and his board need not have been concerned. Unlike captain Tim Sherwood, who has become unsettled by Tottenham's attempts to lure him to London. Sutton has no intention of rocking the Rovers boat.

He said: 'I am happy at Blackburn. 1 like the club, I like my team-mates and I like the area. 1 signed a long-term contract a few months ago and, until I hear otherwise, i intend to see it through.'

Sutton’s declaration of faith will come as a welcome relief to the club's fans. They have still

not forgiven Alan Shearer the other half of the SAS duo wliu h took them to their first ma|of ( hampionship in 81 years, for deserting them in favour of Newcastle United the year after

the 1995 Premiership triumph.

Graeme Le Saux is still persona non grata following his move to Chelsea 14 months ago. David Batty was another big name to depart following the end of Kenny Dalglish's regime and this summer Colin Hendry Joined Rangers, while Sweden striker Martin Dahlin has intimated he will be unhappy to remain as a fourth-choice front man.

However. Sutton said: 'Blackburn have been good to me and I enjoy my football here. Why should I leave?

"I have not spoken to anybody about what I have heard about Villa and nobody has spoken to me. Right now 1 am more concerned about getting fit and looking forward to playing again.'

The injury has kept Sutton out of the last three games. A first scan a fortnight ago revealed the minor fracture and he will not know until next week how much longer he will be idle.

He said: There is no longterm threat, but I don't think I will be available for our next game, at Middlesbrough on October 17.

'Even if I get the all-clear 1 have not been training properly for some time. It is important that 1 do not risk breaking down again by returning too early.'