TONY Parkes is bracing himself for his first test as a full time manager after agreeing to take charge of Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season.

The Ewood stalwart is delighted to have been given the chance to lead Rovers charge towards a play off place.

But he is now faced with tough decisions in the coming weeks as some of Rovers out-of-favour stars seek talks about their future.

The former caretaker has already stated he feels the club are overloaded with players, resulting in the likes of Matt Jansen, Jeff Kenna, John Filan and Callum Davidson being frozen out of the picture since Parkes assumed control.

Jansen in particular has attracted interest from a number of top clubs, with Rangers at the head of the queue.

But with the uncertainty over the manager's position now resolved the situation could come to a head.

And Parkes is ready to meet it head on.

"The squad is too big in terms of players not being in the side," said Parkes.

"From my point of view, I don't mind picking from 22 or 24 players - that's smashing.

"But, obviously, the players themselves need to play.

"And they will dictate whether or not this squad will become smaller or stay the same.

"They are going to have a big say by how they react to not being in the team.

"They need football and if they can't get it here then they might be looking to get it somewhere else.

"That's all part and parcel of the game, though, so we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Parkes does have funds available if he feels Rovers need to bolster their resources should anyone decide to leave.

But after a brilliant eight-game unbeaten run, he is more than happy with the quality of players alreday at his dispossal. "There's always funds available at Blackburn Rovers, as other managers will tell you.

"But we've got a good squad of players.

"People have always said that from day one in the First Division and I can't really see why that has changed.

"Over the last few games the players have started to perform to their potential.

"So I'm happy at the moment with what we've got."

Parkes has also confirmed there will be no new faces in his backroom staff either.

So that means Terry Daracott will continue to act as assistant as well as running the reserves.

"Terry has worked very well with me this time and he's done a fine job himself.

"So he'll be the man at my side and we'll work together.

"We've also got Roy Tunks, who'll remain as goalkeeper coach, and the rest of the backroom staff so we are happy with that at the moment.

"Hopefully, things should settle down for everybody now - the players, myself, and the staff.

"We all know where we are now until the end of the season and then we'll see where we go from there.

"But we are optimistic and looking forward to the challenge.

"People may be waiting to see how I perform now the caretaker role has gone.

"It could be the kiss of death like the manager of the month. "But we are going to lose games and I'll have times when things aren't going so well, like every other manager does.

"But hopefully we can get enough points on the board to make it a successful season.

"It was my decision to take it on until the end of the season.

"And what happens after that will all depend on how successful we are as a football club."

Initially, Parkes had insisted he did not want the job full time.

However, a combination of player-power, fantastic support from the terraces, and a remarkable turnaround in results led to his sudden change of heart.

"It was mainly through results, the way we were performing, the players wanting me to take the job and support from the fans," said Parkes.

"But, deep down, how many chances do you have to become a manager?

"I've probably never had the chance before but it's come a long this time and I've changed my mind as time has gone on.

"We are also in a good position now so I thought why not?"

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