BILLY McKinlay has run into more trouble, in the shape of a second two-match ban, this time for amassing more than 33 disciplinary points.

The granite-tough midfielder, whose efforts have been a major factor in Blackburn Rovers' revival, only recently returned to the first team following suspension.

But two more yellow cards since his recall mean that McKinlay will have to spend another couple of weeks on the sidelines after this afternoon's game against Liverpool at Anfield.

He is set to miss next Saturday's home match against Sunderland and the trip to Chelsea on Wednesday, March 5.

Caretaker-boss Tony Parkes, who immediately made McKinlay such an integral part of his new-look line-up when he took charge for the game at West Ham in October, is disappointed to be losing the player again.

But he said: "Billy has had a lot of bookings, and suspensions, along with injuries, are part and parcel of things.

"You just have to get on with it."

The role that the Scottish international was handed by Parkes, playing just in front of the back four as the midfield anchor, means he has to do a lot of tackling. And that has proved costly in terms of yellow cards.

His record, in fact, shows 10 bookings from 13 starts and two more appearances as a substitute.

But, even though he has fallen foul of referees on so many occasions, McKinlay has certainly helped to turn Rovers' season around.

And his willingness to curb his own attacking instincts for the benefit of the team has paid dividends, not least for skipper Tim Sherwood.

McKinlay's presence has given Sherwood more freedom, with the result that he has already equalled last season's tally of four goals, could easily have had more and has also been involved in a lot of goals scored by the team.

Meanwhile, Parkes included his new £2.5 million striker Per Pedersen in the squad to travel to Anfield this afternoon demanding - "Don't call him the new Alan Shearer."

He explained: "Every time we have shown interest in a new striker, the papers have been calling him the 'new Shearer' which isn't right.

"Per shouldn't be compared to anyone, he is here in his own right."

"The Premiership is a difficult League to play in, it's 100 mph and you need to play a few games to get used to it.

"That's not just for foreign players, it applies to everyone such as those who move up from the First Division.

"But, as he is a goalscorer, I am hoping he might get one or two while he's settling in. Pedersen has a head start on many foreign players in that he speaks excellent English and Scandinavians tend to settle well in this country.

"I think their character helps them," said Parkes. "They are good types.

"It's always a gamble when you sign someone, not just foreign players. It can be the same if you go another Premiership club.

"There are a lot of things he has to get accustomed to but if he does well it's good business because you won't get a Premiership striker for less than £2.5 million.

"He has to be successful to be a bargain but I'm more than happy we have signed him."

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