BLACKBURN Rovers caretaker manager Tony Parkes today hailed Mark Hughes's appointment.

Hughes was officially unveiled as the permament successor to Graeme Souness at a Press conference this morning.

And he will take immediate control of team affairs from Parkes, who has done a sterling job of holding the fort over the last 10 days.

"I think it's an excellent appointment and it's great news for everyone that it's been done so quickly," said Parkes.

"Everyone needs to know that a new manager is coming in and the fact it's now been sorted out will come as a relief to the players.

"I'm sure Mark will want to be involved in Saturday's game in some capacity and he'll receive a tremendous welcome off our fans.

"His arrival should give everyone at the club a huge lift."

Hughes was the unanimous choice to succeed Souness from virtually the moment the job became available.

Now Parkes believes the former Rovers player is ready to take on the challenge of reviving the club's fortunes following a difficult start to the new season.

"Mark has done well for Wales and though some people are saying he's not experienced at this level, how can you get that experience unless someone gives you a chance?

"He was a top player and obviously he's learnt his trade as a manager at international level

so he's the type of person who commands instant respect.

"He already knows some of the players from when he was here before and he was very popular with both them and the fans.

"I can't see that changing now he's come back as a manager."