Hughes Plans To Make The Most Of Cup

Having exceeded expectations by last season finishing in 6th place in the Premiership Blackburn Rovers tomorrow embark on their first European campaign since the 2003-2004 season.

With the Second Round of the UEFA Cup in the 2002-2003 season so far proving Rovers' most successful attempt at cracking Europe Hughes is adamant that having "worked extremely hard to get in the competition" in the first place with last season's excursions that his Rovers side "plan to make the most of it." He would also say:

"The aim is to get the club involved in this competition year-in, year-out, so we are pleased to be in it. We want to make sure the adventure lasts as long as possible."

"I have sensed excitement in the players; there has been a good feeling about the training, everybody is looking forward to it."

Hughes' first taste of European Football as a Manager, having previously appeared in Europe for Manchester United and Chelsea as a player, winning the European Cup Winners Cup in 1991 with United, in fact scoring a goal in the victory over a former club Barcelona, comes against Austrian Bundesliga leaders Salzburg. This game will not be easy, as Hughes himself was quick to point out:

"I think people have to be mindful that Salzburg are a good team. I saw them in action against Rapid Vienna and it was a good competitive game that gave me a good insight."

"They are no pushovers, but I think we are more than capable of getting a positive result. Certainly we are looking for an away goal if we can; it would make our task at Ewood much better."

Hopefully this season can see Rovers put previous disappointing European campaigns behind them. Most of the first team squad have tasted European football in the past, most of whom already with Rovers, with Benni McCarthy and Andre Ooijer regular performers on the highest stage of European football in the Champions League.

Look out for James Match Preview shortly, and then also his Match Report; hopefully he be reporting upon a positive Rovers result.

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