'I need to manage the squad' - Parker

Image caption, Scott Parker (right) saw his side knocked out by Paul Heckingbottom's PrestonDisappointed Scott Parker has defended making nine changes for Burnley's FA Cup defeat at Preston.

The Clarets went down 3-0 at Lancashire rivals Preston North End to miss out on a potential quarter-final tie at home to Aston Villa.

Parker's side are third in the Championship, five points adrift of Sheffield United in the second automatic promotion place, and play their game in hand at Cardiff on Tuesday night.

Goalkeeper James Trafford, defender CJ Egan-Riley and forward Zian Flemming were among the first-teamers to be rested at Deepdale, but Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It wasn't a difficult…