TONY Parkes dropped Jason Wilcox for the first time last night and then offered the winger a potential lifeline before Saturday's crunch Ewood clash with Premiership title favourites Manchester United.

The Blackburn Rovers caretaker boss admitted that Wilcox had been a "victim" of his tactical shake-up, which saw the team play three centre backs at Elland Road and prise a precious point from Leeds United.

But Parkes also hinted that he could be back in the line-up as Rovers prepare for another searching test of their ability to retain Premiership status in Saturday's sold-out game.

"There was no place for Jason because of the tactics we employed," said Parkes today.

"But I told him it could be all change again for Saturday.

"There's no problem with Jason. Obviously he was disappointed not to be playing, but so too were several other players."

Parkes underlined his flexibility - and that of his squad - again last night when, for the first time, he adopted a 5-3-2 system.

The move was partially forced upon him by the absence of skipper Tim Sherwood, who was serving a one-match suspension, and fellow midfielder Garry Flitcroft, who was injured. Flitcroft damaged a knee in training and Rovers kept it quiet so as not to give Leeds any inkling that they might be considering a major tactical switch.

"The name of the game for us is to get enough points to stay in the Premiership. That's all there is to it," said Parkes, understandably unconcerned about the lack of quality in last night's bore draw.

And individuals will have to accept that sacrifices sometimes have to be made in the common cause.

"I can't please everybody," he said.

"I am only here to get points for Blackburn Rovers.

"That's my job and if I have to leave players out to achieve it then so be it, that's the way it goes." Parkes insists he still wants his team to aim for a target of 42 points to assure safety, even though most people feel less than that will be enough.

"Sometimes, you can be lulled into a false sense of security," he said.

"Really, we are just looking at picking up as many points as possible.

"Those who aren't in any danger seem to think the total needed to stay up will be less than the clubs who are down there are looking for.

"But I certainly don't believe we can feel secure at the moment. I still want us to get to 42, and as quickly as possible."

Rovers have two of their hardest games of the season coming up next, against Manchester United and Arsenal.

A charity night, organised by Ewood Blues Independent Supporters' Group at Ewood WMC for Thursday, has had to be cancelled. Colin Hendry was due to support the function, aimed at raising funds for the Superscan Appeal, but it is hoped to hold it at a later date when Colin can attend.

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