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.

Reports say that both Blackburn and Keane are open to the possibility of the Cork man filling the vacancy at Ewood Park, although the list of candidates for the post seems to lengthen with every passing hour.

The club’s advisor, Shebby Singh, said: “Part of it is speculation, part of it is rumour but at this moment in time we are being flooded. We have CVs coming in. It is not as bad a club as people say — there is a lot of interest.”

Assistant coach Eric Black is temporarily in charge of team affairs, and his is just one name among many thought to be in the running for the permanent job.

Bernd Schuster, Paulo Sousa, Gary Flitcroft, Tim Sherwood, Stuart McCall, Alan Shearer and Keane have all been linked to the post, as has former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian, currently managing national champions Molde, yesterday denied he has had contact with Blackburn but didn’t rule out such a development taking place.

“It’s the same as always, speculation,” he said. “It will happen when it happens, that I have to pick up the phone to [Molde owner] Kjell Inge Rokke regarding a job offer but I have not spoken to Blackburn as yet.”

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland have dropped two places to 28 in the latest Fifa rankings.

Germany, who visit Dublin next week for a World Cup qualifier, retain their position as second best in world football behind world and European champions Spain.