TONY Parkes today warned Blackburn Rovers fans they run the risk of goading Alan Shearer into wrecking their FA Cup dreams on Monday night.

The England captain is guaranteed a hostile reception on his return to Ewood as some Rovers fans still feel bitter about the way he quit the club.

But Parkes believes those taunts could backfire as Shearer is at his most dangerous when the flak is flying.

"Alan got used to that in his time at Blackburn and I think that will only spur him on," said Parkes. "We bought him for £3.3 million and if he didn't score in the first 20 minutes the opposition used to chant 'what a waste of money'.

"But 20 minutes later he might have got you a couple of goals. So the crowd have got to be a little bit careful."

Shearer was criticised earlier this season after injuries and a dispute with former boss Ruud Gullit appeared to blunt his attacking prowess.

However, he has since bounced back to spearhead United's climb away from the relegation zone and Parkes has no doubts that he's back to his best.

"The Press need a high profile person to pick on to fill the back pages and Alan was the one at the start of the season," said Parkes. "I suppose if you are a goalscorer and you're not scoring then people start asking questions. But I think Alan has answered all his critics and he's back to his best. He's certainly the best I've ever worked with. He scored over 90 goals in three seasons for Blackburn and to do that in the Premiership, you've got to be a top player."

Meanwhile, Parkes has hinted that he would not have let Kevin Gallacher leave for Newcastle had it been his decision earlier in the season.

"Kevin had been a good player for Blackburn but what was decided at the club was decided," said Parkes.

"Whatever I thought at the time wasn't that important. But whenever he's played when I've been in charge he has always been excellent."

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