BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness insists tonight's UEFA Cup clash with Genclerbirligi in Turkey holds no fears for his European adventurers - on or off the pitch.

Much has been said and written about the potentially hostile welcome awaiting Rovers at the 19 Mayis Stadium, given the recent bad blood between English and Turkish fans.

However, Souness is not fazed by all the hype surrounding Rovers' first round first leg tie, even though the match has been billed in some quarters as a dress rehearsal for next month's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier between England and Turkey in Istanbul.

"I don't see it being a hostile atmosphere at all," said Souness. "I see it as a game which some of our players will gain some experience from.

"At the end of the day, this is not Istanbul. This is not one of the bigger teams we are playing. And this is not one of the better supported teams, either.

"When I was with Galatasaray, we played in this stadium and I don't remember it being full so it won't be full when we play here tonight, which is why I don't think it's going to be hostile."

Souness's words of reassurance will be of comfort to his players given the reputation which precedes Turkish football in England.

Istanbul, in particular, has developed a fearsome reputation for being the football equivalent of Hell following a series of violent clashes down the years.

But Souness insists the capital, Ankara, where tonight's tie is being staged, is far more sedate than the city in which he used to earn his living as a manager.

"It's a totally different atmosphere in Ankara compared to Istanbul," said Souness.

"In Istanbul the rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce (the city's two main clubs) is something else, as I learned when I was over here.

"There'd be fireworks and flares going off and that sort of thing but it's all part of the atmosphere.

"The fans would get into the stadium about three or four hours before kick-off and didn't stop singing until after the last whistle.

"They were very special occasions and your biggest problem was getting in and out of the stadium.

"I wouldn't say the journey in on the coach was frightening but it was certainly intimidating."

Despit all the bad blood which exists between England and Turkey, Souness only looks back on his own sabbatical in Istanbul with fond memories.

"That was a fantastic time in my career," said Souness.

"I know there have been some tragedies involving English clubs in Turkey, most notably involving Leeds United.

"But I can only talk about my experiences and my experience was of warm people who made you feel very welcome.

"They are very, very friendly people. They are passionate about their football, they are passionate about their flag, and passionate about their country.

"If you look at their country and their history, they are very proud people. And if you respect them, they respect you."

Souness and his players intend to show their opponents the necessary amount of respect tonight.

Genclerbirligi warmed up for the tie with a 4-0 victory over Konyaspor at the weekend - their first league win of the season.

And Souness knows enough about Ersun Yanal's team to acknowledge they represent a serious threat to Rovers' hopes of qualifying for the second round.

"We've had reports on them and by all accounts they played very well on Saturday," said Souness.

"That was their first victory. Last season they also did very well, although they've since sold some of their best players.

"But I'm always more interested in what we are going to do. We've got some experienced players in our team now and I'm looking for a good performance from them so I think we can get a good result which will then enable us to get through the second game."