Paul Ince, the Blackburn Rovers manager, has dismissed speculation linking Robbie Fowler with a move to Grimsby, although admits the veteran striker could move on in the near future.

Fowler has made only five appearances for Blackburn this season and had been rumoured to be interested in a player-coach role at the struggling League Two side.

"It's been hard to blood Robbie into the starting XI because of the situation we're in," Ince said. "The same goes with Carlos (Villanueva]. We've not had too much opportunity to throw them in and have a look at them.

"I know Robbie's dying to get out on the pitch and show what he can do. Around the changing room the lads love him, and he's experienced. He's good for the club. We'll sit down and see where we go from here, but as far as Grimsby's concerned, I don't know anything about that."

After just a few months in the job at Ewood Park, Ince is under severe pressure after a run of nine Barclays Premier League matches without a win. Heading into tomorrow's Carling Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford against Manchester United, his former club, Ince's side are one place and two points off the foot of the table.

But he is confident he can cope with recent criticism. "It's easy for me to be a target, but I've got thick skin," he added. "I don't really care what other people say or write about me.

"All I care about are my players. They're the most important people to me. It's important I come in every day smiling and making sure they're happy. Then they're prepared to hopefully get a win tomorrow and three points on Saturday."