Division One: Port Vale v Blackburn Rovers - Neil Bramwell's preview

BLACKBURN Rovers play Port Vale for the first time this season tomorrow.

Some would argue that Rovers entertained Brian Horton's men in a frustrating 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season at Ewood Park.

But that wasn't the new, rejuvenated Blackburn Rovers.

Of the side that Brian Kidd put out for their first fixture following relegation from the Premiership, only three started Tuesday night's game at Charlton.

And, injuries permitting, it would be reasonable to suggest that Parkes would want to retain the starting line-up that secured the best result of the campaign to date.

Two of that trio, Damien Duff and Simon Grayson, will need late injury checks before tomorrow's starting line-up is announced.

So that could leave Lee Carsley as the only common denominator.

That's an indication of the single-minded approach that Parkes has brought to his fifth spell as caretaker.

He is the first to admit that the role of caretaker is a country mile away from the day to day pressures and decisions that would face the permanent choice.

But Parkes has backed his own judgement by leaving high profile players of the calibre of Callum Davidson, Jason Wilcox, Jeff Kenna, Matt Jansen and Nathan Blake on the sidelines.

And, of course, the run of five unbeaten games, has added statistical weight to his argument.

His opposite number, Brian Horton, believes that run should have brought Parkes recognition through the manager of the month award. Instead, the honour went to Huddersfield's Steve Bruce, although his side lost a game at Walsall in November.

But Horton also believes that Parkes' record proves that Ewood's loyal number two could hold his own on a more long-term basis.

Horton said: "I thought Tony may have won the manager of the month.

"But I am surprised he hasn't taken the job.

"If he asked my advice, I would say 'Take it'.

"He has done very well in his five stints and only lost nine out of 34 games in charge.

"If you stuck all those games together, he would have won promotion."

Horton's Port Vale are not blessed with the kind of big name stars that Parkes has at his disposal.

But one thing they do possess is a fierce fighting spirit which has seen them almost sneak a point from Manchester City while under the cosh at Maine Road, and come back from two goals down at leaders Huddersfield to earn a draw.

One point was the total of Vale's ambition back on August 7 at Ewood Park, when Rovers had their first taste of what to expect from the less ambitious Division One sides visiting the pre-season promotion favourites.

Horton has since switched to a 3-5-2 formation and Rovers may themselves be able to exploit space down the flanks as Vale attempt to press forward on home turf.

Lanky teenage star Anthony Gardner is attracting rave reviews in the centre of that three-man defence but it should be noted that Vale have conceded a massive nine goals from close range headers.

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