BRAD Friedel reckons Paul Ince is tailor-made for the manager's job at Blackburn Rovers.

The 37-year-old American is a former team-mate of the MK Dons boss, having starred alongside him during his time with Liverpool.

And Friedel believes Ince has the experience to replace Mark Hughes in the Ewood Park hot-seat.

He said: "I played with him at Liverpool. Incey as a footballer was a winner and he has obviously proven as a manager he is a winner as well.

"He knows football and loves football, which I think is why he has had the success he has had."

Some fans have questioned whether Ince has the ability to make the step up to the Premier League, even though he guided the MK Dons to a league and cup double in League Two last season.

However, Friedel does not view his lack of managerial experience at the top flight as a potential barrier.

He said: "People were saying that about Mark Hughes.

"I know he had four or five years with Wales, but when you have the winning mentality, and you have players coming from the highest level who are students of the game like this, I don't think it is a problem at all."