CARETAKER boss Tony Parkes raised a few eyebrows when he omitted Per Frandsen altogether from his squad to face Ipswich in his first game in charge.

But the 50-year-old coach doesn't have any regrets about his decision, even though Frandsen turned in a match-winning performance on his return to first team action against Stockport.

"Per was left out in the first place because, like a lot of the other players, I didn't think he was playing very well," said Parkes.

"It was nothing personal but, when I changed the team around for the first game, there were about six or seven changes.

"Players did come to see me about why they weren't in the side but it was easy to tell them because we were 18th in the First Division with a squad which is supposedly the best in the division.

"So we had players who weren't playing very well.

"That's how I saw it and Per was no different.

"But I'm delighted at how he's responded."

Parkes was also satisfied with his team's performance after Saturday's victory extended Rovers unbeaten sequence to four matches since he took over as caretaker.

"I thought we played well enough to win it," said Parkes. "I know Stockport had a few injuries and suspensions and they had to change their team a little bit but they gave us a decent game.

"Over the 90 minutes, though, I thought we were well worth the win."

Stockport boss Andy Kilner had few complaints about the result and paid his players a glowing tribute despite the fact they were second best.

"My players have been absolutely first class all season and I can't ask any more of them," said Kilner.

"Rovers have spent £30 million while we had two trialists in our side, a lad making his debut and a guy sat on the bench awaiting a hernia operation.

"So I've got nothing but admiration for the players in my dressing room.

"I thought they were magnificent.

"But I suppose that's what you get for your money when you score two goals like that.

"They were both magnificent crosses and that was the difference."

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