Ince happy to be a scapegoat

Ince: Under pressure

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• Carlos Villanueva

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Paul Ince is prepared to take the flak for Blackburn's lacklustre start to the Premier League season.

Experiencing life in top-flight management for the first time, the Ewood Park boss finds himself under severe pressure after a run of nine games without a win.

That sequence of results has left Rovers just one place and two points off the foot of the table.

Ince, though, insists he can handle the pressure and is determined to ensure that his players do not take the brunt of mounting criticism.

Target

"It's easy for me to be a target, but I've got thick skin," Ince said.

"I don't really care what other people say about me or what people write about me.

"All I care about are my players. They're the most important people to me.

"It's important I come in every day smiling and making sure they're happy and then they're prepared to hopefully get a win tomorrow and three points on Saturday."

Speculation

Blackburn face Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday, before welcoming league leaders Liverpool to Ewood Park at the weekend.

One man who will be hoping to be involved in those games, especially the clash with Rafa Benitez's side, is Robbie Fowler.

The former England international has made just five appearances for Rovers since signing a short-term deal at the start of the season, with speculation now linking him with a move away from the club.

League Two strugglers Grimsby have been mentioned as a possible destination for the veteran striker, but Ince insists Fowler remains part of his first-team plans.

Experienced

"It's been hard to blood Robbie into the starting XI because of the situation we're in," said Ince.

"The same goes with Carlos (Villanueva). We've not had too much opportunity to throw them in and have a look at them.

"I know Robbie's dying to get out on the pitch and show what he can do.

"Around the changing room the lads love him, and he's experienced. He's good for the club.

"We'll sit down and see where we go from here, but as far as Grimsby is concerned, I don't know anything about that."