‘Sparky’ favourite for Rovers return

MARK HUGHES re-emerged as the favourite to become manager of Blackburn after his representative yesterday invited the club to open negotiations with the Welsh FA.

Hughes had appeared to rule himself out by saying he had “no plans” to quit as Wales manager but the comments of his agent Dennis Roach put him back at the head of the pack to succeed Graeme Souness.

Roach said Hughes has a clause in his contract allowing him to manage in the Premiership but it is yet to be sen if he would still want to be in charge of Wales on a part-time basis.

Hughes has the qualities that would endear him to Blackburn, who want to find a manager with a record of achieving much with few resources.

He spent two years at Ewood Park as a player and has built a good reputation since taking over as coach of the Welsh national team.