HUGHES EYES FLYING START

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes his side's European campaign will enable Rovers to overcome their tendency to start slowly in the Premier League.

Rovers are in Intertoto Cup action on Sunday when they travel to Lithuania to face Vilnius Vetra but Hughes thinks the early start will help his side hit the ground running domestically.

Hughes took over at Ewood Park in September 2004 with Rovers battling against relegation and they only pulled away to relative safety in March 2005.

The year after they managed just one win in their first six league matches, while it took them six games to record a first victory last term and they only won one in seven after that.

Hughes thinks early competitive action will give his men an edge when they line up against Middlesbrough on August 11.

He said: "I think it's a good thing. We're of the view that it could possibly help us come the start of the Premier League.

"Playing competitive games in the pre-season period, you'd like to think would bring you on for the games in earnest when they start.

"In fairness, we haven't had a decent start for a number of seasons now and it's taken us a long while to get back into the top half after the starts we've had.

"So this year we're hopeful that the competitive games in pre-season will help us come the start of the Premier League games."

Rovers have only had two friendlies, a 2-1 win over Wrexham and a 2-1 defeat to Arminia Bielefeld but Hughes is pleased with the shape of his squad.

He continued: "The games we've had have been good ones, two decent standard games that have brought us on so we get to improve again."

Hughes has been pleased with the progress made by new signing striker Maceo Rigters since the Dutchman's arrival at the start of the month.

The 23-year-old joined for an undisclosed fee from NAC Breda after winning the golden boot playing for Holland in this summer's Under-21 European Championship.

Hughes added: "I'm pleased that we've been able to bring an exceptional young player into the club.

"He's a very confident animal, he's had a great summer with his country and scored a lot of goals.

"We were aware of him but his performances in the tournament brought him to the attention of a lot more so we were delighted to be able to bring him here.

"I think he understands that he's here to become a better player and he's enjoyed the work.

"He plays with a smile on his face, he's strong in possession and he's got good power and pace and he's a good addition."

Full-back Stephen Warnock (hamstring) is Hughes' only fresh injury concern for the game in Vilnius.

Taken from =football365=