Rovers fans pick Big Mick over Roy

As Roy Keane ponders whether his immediate future lies in Istanbul or Blackburn, a poll in the ‘Lancashire Telegraph’ published today reveals that Keane’s one-time nemesis, Mick McCarthy, is the fans’ choice to be the successor to Steve Kean at Ewood Park.

Such polls are scarcely scientific but, in contrast to the substantial backing for the former Republic of Ireland manager — who has been out of work since his sacking by Wolves — the minimal support it shows for Keane suggests that, if he does end up at the championship side, he would have his work cut out to get the home support onside.

Keane has been in Istanbul having talks with Turkish Super League side Kalisampa but the club’s announcement on Sunday that he was set to be unveiled as their new manager was clearly premature.