IF Paul Ince guides Blackburn Rovers to victory at Villa Park tomorrow, he will better the early record of the club's last two managers.

While many fans have been left disappointed by consecutive draws against Bolton and Middlesbrough, Ince’s 12-point haul from his nine league games in charge compare favourably with his predecessors.

Former Rovers manager Mark Hughes could only pick up 11 points from his first 10 games while Graeme Souness led Rovers to 13 points in his first 10 games.

Whatever the outcome in the Midlands tomorrow, Ince has every right to feel satisfied with his start as a top-flight manager and, with recent performances deserving more reward, the signs are better is to come.

First 10 games

PAUL INCE (2008): Played 9, won 3, drawn 3, lost 3, points 12.

MARK HUGHES (2004): Played 10, won 2, drawn 5, lost 3, points 11.

GRAEME SOUNESS (2000): Played 10, won 3, drawn 4, lost 3, points 13.