JACK Walker did NOT order Tony Parkes to restore Graeme Le Saux to Blackburn Rovers' side after the caretaker-manager had axed the England left back, writes PETER WHITE.

And Ewood chairman Robert Coar today described a speculative story to that effect as "an insult" to Parkes.

Le Saux made a sensational return for Rovers in last night's win over Sheffield Wednesday, which puts Premiership safety within touching distance.

But he again cast major doubts over his future with the club by his post-match comments.

I know for a fact that it was Parkes' decision, and his alone, to drop Le Saux for Saturday's trip to Arsenal and then recall him last night.

The caretaker-boss made it and then, because of the particular circumstances, felt he should tell Mr Walker and Mr Coar what he was doing.

"I thought that was the right thing and they told me that I'm the manager and had their full backing in whatever I wanted to do," said Parkes today.

Mr Walker was away last night and the chairman said: "I didn't even know the team until I went to the dressing room about an hour before kick-off.

"In all the time I have been at the club, the manager has always picked his own team and will always do so.

"It's an insult to the integrity of Tony Parkes to suggest otherwise. This story is absolute nonsense and we will be contacting the newspaper concerned." The player and manager had been involved in a showdown after the Manchester United match and they had a lengthy meeting last Thursday, when they went into the situation in depth.

But, even though Le Saux was back to his outstanding best last night - and that's just what Rovers and the fans wanted to see - he declined to discuss his future beyond the three remaining games.

The obvious inference was that things could come to a head in summer.

After collecting a man of the match award, he said: "People have been speculating and are aware that something has been going on but I am not at liberty to comment."

But he admitted that it wasn't just about the last couple of weeks and the dressing room confrontation after the United game.

"It goes a lot deeper than that, it's not just about a frank exchange (of views)," he said.

"For people to say I have been playing badly, that's their opinion. They should be prepared to open their eyes and look at the broader issues.

"I know I haven't performed in certain games as well as I would have liked. But when you are in situations, things affect you."

And there was a major hint that crunch time will come once the season is finished as he said: "I want to make the most of my career and give myself the best opportunity I can in the short spell I have got playing football.

"That's what I have to deal with." It left me with the distinct impression that he does not feel he can satisfy the ambitions he harbours for his career at Ewood.

As for being dropped at the weekend, Le Saux described it as "hurtful and disappointing" and added: "I think it's made me realise that I can't take the problems I have onto the pitch with me."

He also confessed to feeling sorry for Jason Wilcox, who was left out to make way for his return.

Rovers take on Everton at Ewood tonight (kick-off 7pm) in the semi-finals of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup for professional clubs.

And, if they can beat the Merseysiders, they will set up a repeat of last season's final against Manchester United.

Despite the disappointment of going out of the big one - the FA Youth Cup - at the semi-final stage last week, Rovers' youngsters are keen to pick up the consolation prize of reaching the county final.

Rovers' squad is: Stewart, Trudgill, Taylor, Brown, Richardson, Staton, Dunn, Johnson, McAvoy, Thomas, Duff, Fitzpatrick, Owler, Ryan, Featherstone, Bingham.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.