Earnie is a 'cornerstone' - Worthington

Last updated : 03 July 2006 By Rick Lamb
Blackburn Rovers have made no contact with Norwich about Rob Earnshaw, despite widespread rumours that the diminutive forward is wanted as a replacement for his Welsh internationl team mate Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy, who began his career at Carrow Road, recently moved to Liverpool after just one season at Ewood Park, and former Wales boss Mark Hughes was said to be keen on Earnshaw to fill the gap of a pacey goalscorer.

Nogel Worthington, however, says no offer has been made and that the club will do their best to keep hold of their £3.5million signing from West Brom.

"I've seen the rumours, but there's been no contact from Blackburn about Robert Earnshaw," Worthington told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. "Rob is one of the cornerstones we're looking to build things around."

"I realise business is business, but I'm looking to add faces to the squad rather than listen to people who want to sign my players."