BLACKBURN midfielder Tugay says he has never had a problem as a Turk playing in England.

As England prepare to face Turkey in the showdown Euro 2004 qualifier on October 11 amidst huge security fears, Tugay believes England's players will receive a warm welcome from their Turkish counterparts.

The 33-year-old, who will face Sven Goran Eriksson's men on that crunch night, has moved to take the heat out of what promises to be a red-hot night in Istanbul.

He said: "This is a football game, not a war. I know the Turkish and English people well and like them both so I can't always understand the rivalry.

"But the England players made us feel very welcome before the last game in Sunderland and we will want to do the same in Turkey.

"Both sides must remember that if they don't win, it is not the end of the world. It is a game of football.

"I don't expect to see any England supporters there but the result will depend on how the teams perform, not the crowd.

"All we can do as players is to remain level-headed during the match and not do anything to provoke the crowd with celebrations."

Tugay is approaching 100 caps for his country, and his biggest wish is to stay with Blackburn after his contract ends in the summer.

"I've never had a single problem from opponents or supporters being Turkish," he said.

"I've made good friends since I've come, some of them English like Andy Cole and other foreign players such as Shota Arvaladze at Rangers.

"I would like to stay in the Premiership, with Blackburn if they want me to stay.

"It's a great league to be involved in and everyone has treated me with respect."

Tugay denies reports that he was involved in verbal hostilities with England players at The Stadium of Light.

"I am still baffled as to where those stories came from. Anyone who has played with me knows I don't do that sort of thing.

"I live here so I don't have any problems. I can't foresee any problems at all, we will be trying to win a football match just like England."