ROY HODGSON jumps into the Ewood Park hot seat this summer with his first priority to sort out Rovers want-away stars.

Graeme Le Saux and Shay Given head the all-star cast of players who are considering their Rovers' futures and Hodgson will need all his powers of persuasion to keep them at the club.

Caretaker-boss Tony Parkes hands over the reins of power after Rovers' last game of the season against Leicester City at Ewood Park on Sunday (May 11) - and he will certainly be looking for his side to sign off in glory.

Hodgson, who is set to arrive in Blackburn soon after Inter Milan play their last Serie A game on June 1, has already spoken to left back Le Saux about his future.

But, with Arsenal and Chelsea showing keen interest in the England defender, he seems a cert for a big money move this summer - and he won't be the only one.

Keeper Given has set his heart on a move to another Premiership side to further his Republic of Ireland career - and that will see Newcastle and Liverpool among a host of clubs all scrambling for his signature.

Jason Wilcox has also shown signs of restlessness while Lars Bohinen, George Donis, Nicky Marker, Graham Fenton and Matty Holmes need first team football - something that is not guaranteed at Ewood.

While Hodgson will want to stamp his own authority on the club and bring in his own players, he is certain not to favour a mass exodus without having adequate cover.

The former Switzerland supremo will already have an idea of the players he wants to bring and those he has been linked with include Monaco pair Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Blondeau and young Inter Milan defender Alessandro Pistone. And don't rule out a move for Paul Ince despite rumours that he wants to return to the capital.

Hodgson faces a tough summer shoot-out with the Ewood lads, but it would certainly be a boost to his hopes for the future if Rovers end a disappointing season with a cracking win against fellow strugglers Leicester.

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