BLACKBURN, England (AFP) - Sam Allardyce has pulled out of the race to succeed Mark Hughes at Blackburn as Paul Ince looks increasingly likely to fill the Ewood Park vacancy.

Allardyce had been interviewed for the post along with Milton Keynes Dons boss Ince, Michael Laudrup and former England coach Steve McClaren, who has since taken over at FC Twente of the Dutch first division.

But former Bolton and Newcastle manager Allardyce told Sky Sports News on Friday that he doesn't want to be considered for the position.

Ince is the firm favourite and Blackburn chairman John Williams expects to announce an appointment by the weekend.