Parkes aims to finish on a high TONY Parkes is entitled to be on cloud nine but he will be back down to earth with a vengeance tomorrow, as he aims to hand over as Blackburn Rovers manager on top note.

Rovers take on Leicester City at Ewood in their final Premiership clash of the season, with both teams safe and apparently little at stake.

But Parkes shot that theory to bits today as he declared: "This is another game we want to win.

"We have to think of the paying spectators and, besides, you want to win every game you play - especially the last one of the season and even more so when it's at home.

"Our fans have been brilliant and we want them to see us end on a winning note. That's what we will be aiming to do, because we want to finish as high in the table as possible."

Apart from pride, and the win bonus, there's also a lot of merit money at stake for the club, depending on position.

So, even though there will be a carnival atmosphere, victory is still the priority.

That may prevent Parkes making too many experiments, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him include one of the youngsters, such as Damien Duff, in the squad - and maybe give him a taste.

Rovers still have a few injury problems with Chris Sutton and Per Pedersen hamstring doubts and Henning Berg (groin) under treatment. Parkes has a few other knocks to check and delayed naming a squad until nearer tomorrow's 4pm kick-off.

Leicester are in a similar position, with central defender Steve Walsh and midfielder Muzzy Izzet not expected to play.

The Coca-Cola Cup winners are set to bring in Stuart Campbell and Franck Rolling.

Rovers have arranged several side-events such as a balloon race, face painting (from 12 noon), cheerleaders and blue and white balloons to be handed out to children.

Shay Given and Jeff Kenna are in the Republic of Ireland squad for the game against Liechtenstein in Dublin on May 21 and, as we reported in later editions last night, Tim Flowers and Graeme Le Saux have been selected for England's forthcoming flurry of internationals.

Marlon Broomes is in a preliminary squad of 23 players from which England will pick their party for the FIFA World Youth Championships in Malaysia next month.

He has also been named in the England under-21 squad for the game against Poland in Katowice on May 30.

Teenage Welsh striker James Thomas has been called up for the under-18 international against Northern Ireland at Wrexham.

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