GRAEME Souness will not be leading his charges in the InterToto Cup next season after putting Premiership progress before cash.

Rovers do not want to risk their squad, comparatively small to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, in a competition that has wreaked havoc on Fulham this season.

And at a board meeting, the club agreed not to apply for a place in the competition, which provides a backdoor entry into Europe, in an effort to concentrate on the Premiership instead.

Souness has never been in favour of the idea, particularly after seeing the problems Fulham have been caused this season. The Cottagers are struggling in the Premiership after playing their 48th game of the season at Burnley last night, with 20 of those game being cup ties.

"You've heard me talk about the size of our squad and Fulham are a classic example of what can happen if you enter the InterToto Cup," Souness said.

"I think Fulham are a good team, they've got good players but they are certainly suffering as a result of enterting that competition earlier this season."

After discussions with the Rovers boss and members of the board, chief executive John Williams revealed the club would not be submitting their application.

"While the attractions of the InterToto Cup are obvious - and tempting - we believe that we must not do anything that could jeopardise our performance in the Premiership," he said.

"We do not have the biggest squad in the Premiership and it will be difficult for us to add to the squad number for next season, although we do expect to bring about further improvements through astute trading in the transfer market.

"The matter has been discussed at length with Graeme Souness and all parties are in complete agreement.

"Maintaining a Premiership position is our top priority over the short, medium and long term and while any extra revenue is always welcome we cannot afford to be penny wise and pound foolish."

Rovers Reserves travel to Altrincham FC tonight to take on Manchester United.

Andy Todd returns to action following his four-game ban, as does defender Jay McEveley. Norwegian striker Egil Ostenstad also starts.

Rovers: Robinson, Douglas, Pelzer, Danns, Todd, McEveley, Watt, Donnelly, Ostenstad, Gallagher, Morgan.

Subs: Hockenhull, Renton, Greer, Corbett, Fitzgerald.