The imposing frame of Colin Hendry cast an ominous shadow over Rangers' Scottish League Cup final preparations yesterday as he refused to commit his future to the club.
Rangers meet St Johnstone at Parkhead tomorrow for what is Hendry's first domestic final in Scotland - but the issue of whether it may prove his last remains unresolved.
Hendry yesterday refused to take any questions, however carefully phrased, on the untimely matter of whether he is poised to return to Blackburn in a playercoach capacity.
Having joined Rangers only three months ago in a £4 million move, a return to Ewood Park would be a dramatic reverse from a player who demanded his move to Rangers for family reasons.
As soon as his name was first mentioned in connection with the post made vacant by Roy Hodgson's departure, Hendry stoked the speculation by hinting management was an ambition and now might be the right time.
Yesterday his actions spoke louder than words as he pursed his lips, diverted his eyes to the ground, and, as politely as possible, made a very telling no comment.
"I have nothing to say about Blackburn," he offered. "The Cup final is more important."
When asked whether the fact the Blackburn rumours were so rife ahead of the Cup final were a distraction, Hendry grinned: "What was that, the Cup final? Yes, I'm looking forward to the Cup final."
Hendry was more forthcoming about the game itself and outlined his ambition to be part of a trophy-winning side as he reckons players' credentials are ultimately judged on a career medal count.
He said: "There might be no European place, but to me it is about winning a trophy, one which should give us a platform for the rest of the season."
Rangers manager Dick Advocaat will start with Frenchman Stephane Guivarc'h and Rod Wallace after losing Jonatan Johansson through injury and demoting Gabriel Amato.
The Argentine forward, a £4.2 million summer recruit from Real Mallorca, impressed as a substitute during the 1-1 UEFA Cup draw with Parma on Tuesday night, but has again been jettisoned.
