Blackburn Rovers supporters should be used as a role model for England fans travelling to Turkey for next month's European qualifier, the FA chairman has said.

Geoff Thompson believes the behaviour of Rovers fans during their 3-1 UEFA Cup defeat at the hands of Genclerbirligi is something the club should take pride in.

Mr Thompson was speaking after travelling to Turkey to hold talks with UEFA and the Turkish FA ahead of next month's EURO 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul.

"Our discussions with colleagues and friends from the Turkish FA have been both cordial and extremely constructive," he told a press conference in Switzerland.

"The two FAs, together with our respective security teams, police forces and Governments have co-operated fully and have exchanged considerable amounts of information.

"This has included helpful and productive visits to each other's countries on several occasions.

"We sincerely hope - and expect - that our own welcome in Istanbul will be as warm as that received by the players, officials and fans of Blackburn Rovers in Ankara this week.

"Both Turkish and English fans showed that rivalry on the pitch needn't result in violence off it and, along with the two clubs, both sets of fans deserve credit for their excellent behaviour.

"Next month's international will of course be different. The pressure will be greater and there is even more at stake -- qualification for next summer's Finals in Portugal is something both countries desperately want to achieve."