McClaren good for Rovers - Mackay

Don Mackay managed Blackburn Rovers from 1987-1991 (pic: LCFC/Raymonds Press)

Steve McClaren would be the ideal candidate to replace Mark Hughes at Blackburn, according to former Rovers boss Don Mackay.

Mackay, who managed the Ewood Park club between 1987 and 1991, told BBC Radio Lancashire that an experienced manager is what the club needs.

"I've worked with Steve," he said. "He's had undeserved bad press for the way England failed to reach Euro 2008.

"They need a manager like Steve who can bring through young players."

Mackay, whose last job in football was a short-lived role as Leicester's sporting director last year, believes the managerial vacancy at Ewood Park is one that will attract plenty of applicants.

The Sam Allardyces and Steve McClarens of this world have managed clubs like Blackburn, developed them and made them into winning clubs Don Mackay

"Blackburn are still a fantastic club," he said. "I enjoyed my years there, was disappointed in how it finished in the end, but I understood how it came about and I accepted that.

"When I went to Blackburn, I had met the board two or three times before they made the appointment and I think that's important.

"They've got to sit down with the people on their shortlist, discuss things with them, ask questions and they'll say yes, he's the man for Blackburn Rovers."

Mackay also praised the work done by Paul Ince in League Two with MK Dons and Macclesfield Town, and believes a step up to Premier League management would not faze him.

"It wouldn't be a problem for Paul because he played at a top level," he said. "He played at Middlesbrough when I was there. He's a very determined person and has done a fantastic job wherever he has gone as a manager."

But former Rovers favourite Alan Shearer would not be a good choice, according to Mackay, who won the Full Members Cup with Blackburn in 1987.

"I'm not being disrespectul to Alan but he has no managerial experience at all. The person they bring in has got to have managerial experience.

"The Sam Allardyces and Steve McClarens of this world have managed clubs like Blackburn, developed them and made them into winning clubs."