BLACKBURN Rovers have turned to the most famous caretaker in the business to keep things ticking over until a new manager is appointed.

Tony Parkes has agreed to step in as caretaker boss for the SIXTH time in his Blackburn career following Graeme Souness's shock decision to quit for Newcastle yesterday.

But the Ewood legend hopes his latest spell in the hot-seat will be shortlived - and he's also ruled out the prospect of applying to take over the reins permanently.

"It's amazing that this is the sixth time I'll have done it," said Parkes.

"I'm definitely in charge for the Newcastle game, then we'll take it from there.

"I don't know how long it's going to take to make an appointment but I'm okay about doing the job in the meantime.

"Things never change. I always seem to take over when we are in the bottom couple of places but it's good experience and I just hope we can pick some points up.

"Some of the players will be pleased that Graeme has gone and some will be disappointed.

"But all of them are professional enough to get on with the job ahead."

Parkes admitted he was shocked to hear about Souness's decision to quit, adding: "It certainly came as a surprise to me.

"Usually, you can read these things a little bit but this one came as a complete shock because Graeme's name had never really been linked with the Newcastle job at all."