The Paraguay international has long been linked with a move to be reunited with former Rovers boss Mark Hughes at Manchester City having starred under the Welshman at Ewood Park last season.

However, Allardyce, who was unveiled to the media today after signing a three-year contract to replace the sacked Paul Ince, stressed he was under no pressure to offload players and had no intention of doing so.

"We don't have to sell anyone in the January transfer window. I think it is very important from my point of view," said the former Bolton and Newcastle boss.

"I have joined the club because I know the players. I know how good they are and it is one of the reasons I am here so why would I want to sell any of my best ones.

"I'm not going to do that. Trying to evaluate the squad is the most important thing before I even think about January's transfer window.

"Too often managers come in, particularly at this time, and can make a judgemental decision far too early on a particular player having seen him not at his best.

"It is much more difficult now in the Premier League to find the level and quality of player you need than ever before in my experience over the last eight years."

Chairman John Williams, who revealed Allardyce was the first man he turned to having sacked Ince, gave his new manager his full support in holding on to their star names.

"The key thing is he believes he can get the best out of what we have got," he said.

"You are not going to get out of jail if you sell your best players."

Rovers are 19th in the table and are currently enduring a run of 11 matches without a win stretching back three months.

They are already five points from safety but Allardyce is confident he can rescue them from the threat of relegation.

During his eight years at Bolton he turned them into a top-10 side and twice qualified for Europe, although he admits his focus is more single-minded at Ewood Park.

"It's difficult - an unexpected position I think," said the 54-year-old, who returns to management having been sacked by Newcastle in January.

"Everyone here didn't expect the club to be in the position it is but I've been there before and now the players must respond very quickly.

"You can never say you are too good to go down - clubs have fallen foul of that before - but the players have to play to the maximum of their ability to get us out of trouble, hopefully as quickly as possible."

Allardyce was a contender for the job when Hughes left for Manchester City in the summer but having made the shortlist he pulled out of the running, leaving the way clear for Ince to take over.

"On that occasion it was a case of speaking with John, going home and talking to Lynne, my better half," he explained.

"After 15 years straight managing and coaching I decided it was too early for me to jump straight back in.

"I gave John a ring and said I felt it was better I pulled out. He told me to have a think for 24 hours. I did that, rang him back and still felt the same way."

But when the call came from Williams on Tuesday after Ince's dismissal, Allardyce seized the opportunity - accepting the position within 24 hours.

"I think when both parties want to come to the same decision together you can get through that process very quickly," he said.

"The sooner you can sort the negotiations out the sooner you can get going in terms of getting your teeth stuck into the job and getting on with the process of what you need to do to improve results, particularly in the beginning."