Ince's bid for Blackburn job turns into a university challenge

Ince's lack of badges has prompted Rovers to make a panic call to the Barclays Premier League to establish whether they can appoint him if they choose the MK Dons manager.

Rovers bound? Paul Ince

Ince, 40, has now arranged to attend the Football Association of Wales' session for students working on the second part of their A licence at Aberystwyth University.

But he will not be allowed to participate, merely observe. Astonishingly, the gesture might be enough to persuade the Premier League that Ince is in the process of pursuing his certificates, even if it would make a mockery of the supposedly tough system run by the authorities.

Ince has emerged as a major candidate to succeed Mark Hughes after meeting Rovers last week and the post is probably between him, Sam Allardyce and Steve McClaren as club officials whittle down their shortlist.

Allardyce's push for the post has sparked protests among some fans critical of his team's style at Bolton, while former England boss McClaren may face a similar backlash. He met Rovers in a Manchester hotel yesterday and outlined his ideas, including taking a former Blackburn player as his assistant.

Ewood Park chairman John Williams, who was turned down by first-choice candidate Alan Shearer last week, is now working on a restricted list of options - with doubts about most. Highly-rated Dutchman Henk ten Cate, who has put his move to Panathinaikos on hold, is struggling to sort out a pay-off with Chelsea but the London club want him to work outside England.

That might prevent the former Barcelona coach, due to meet Rovers tomorrow, from even speaking to them.

Williams said: 'The process is ongoing and we are on target for the end of this week. Having said that, we're not rushing anything - the most important thing is that we get the right man for the job.'

Williams also said no decision will be taken over David Bentley's future until the new manager has been appointed.

The England midfielder has stated he is looking to move to a club where he can play Champions League football but he was knocked back at the end of the season before Hughes left to take over at Manchester City.

Williams added: 'Mark told him it would be in both our best interests if he stayed for another year. We will not discuss this until the new manager is in place.'