BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes today admitted he took the decision to 'sacrifice' Jonathan Stead in a bid to improve his chances of landing a proven goalscorer this summer.

The ambitious Rovers chief stunned a section of the Ewood faithful when he sanctioned Stead's surprise move to Sunderland earlier this week, just 12 months after the England Under 21 international scored the goals that saved the club from relegation.

But although Hughes believes the 22-year-old will go on to be successful at the Stadium of Light next season, he has called on Rovers fans to back his judgement as he attempts to sign the players needed to take the club onto the next level.

In an exclusive interview with the Evening Telegraph, Hughes said: "We know where we want to go and we know the targets that are out there and how much they cost, so I had to sacrifice Jon because he was marketable and able to generate some money which will enable me to get the players I want.

"I've no doubt that in the next couple of years Jon will be very successful, but at this moment in time we need to prepare for next year and I think the best option was to allow Jon to go because that enables me to have a bit more money to work in the market place."

Stead became a huge fans' favourite shortly after he joined Rovers in a £750,000 deal 18 months ago.

The former Huddersfield player scored six goals in 13 league games to virtually save the club from the drop on his own.

However, last he failed to reproduce that form last season, finding the net just twice in 34 games, which prompted Hughes to take the difficult decision to sell him this summer in a move designed to boost his transfer kitty.

The Rovers boss said: "It was a difficult season for Jon. There was no doubting his work ethic and the amount of time he spent on the training ground trying to turn his season around.

"But for whatever reason it didn't really happen for him and I think maybe this is a good move for him because he's got a new challenge and he's going to a new club.

"As I've said before, I'm sure he'll be successful in the next few years, but at this moment in time we need to get strikers in who can take us to the next level.

"We want to hit the ground running next season and that's why we need to improve our goal threat."

Hughes has so far drawn a blank in his bid to sign a new striker after Porto rejected an offer of just under £4 million for Benni McCarthy.

The Rovers boss has still not given up all hope of signing the South African international but he may now face competition from former Rovers boss Graeme Souness after it was reported that Newcastle are trying to line up a swap deal involving Hugo Viana.

In the meantime, speculation linking Rovers with a move for Shefki Kuqi is premature.

The club have been monitoring the former Ipswich striker's situation but they have other targets they would rather pursue first.

Reports suggesting Jason Koumas has been lined up to join Rovers on a season-long loan also have little foundation.