MIDFIELD maestro Tugay today said he's ready to sign a new deal with Blackburn Rovers as he prepared for tonight's UEFA Cup tie in Ankara.

The Turkish international's contract is due to expire at the end of the season but the former Galatasaray star is ready to sit down with Rovers boss Graeme Souness and talk about a new one as he aims to inspire his team against Genclerbirgili.

"I hope I can play out my career at Blackburn," said the 33-year-old, who received a hero's welcome when Rovers arrived in Turkey yesterday.

"I would certainly like to stay in England. I have always wanted to play here and I really enjoy it.

"It suits the way I play. I believe the Premiership is the leading competition in Europe, perhaps not the most technical, but the one I like best.

"I also like working with Graeme Souness. He knows me very well from his time as manager at Galatasaray and he has been very loyal to me throughout my career.

"We get on well. In Istanbul we had a sort of father-son relationship and I don't necessarily mean that in a complimentary way. He seemed to understand me perfectly and he helped me enjoy my football more.

"Other players felt the same. He treats everyone equally and fairly."

Tugay found himself at the centre of the attention yesterday as Rovers arrived in the Turkish capital of Ankara ahead of tonight's game.

And the veteran playmaker believes Blackburn are equipped to go far this season.

"I think the present squad is strong enough to qualify for the Champions League. That is everyone's aim this season. If Real Sociedad and Bayer Leverkusen can do it, so can we."

Today's tie has taken on even greater significance with England set to meet Turkey in a potentially explosive Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul next month.

But Tugay has dismissed the notion that a hostile reception awaits Sven Goran Eriksson and his team on October 11, despite the recent bad blood between the two nations.

"English teams are always welcome in Turkey," he added.

"There is no antagonism towards England. The decision not to let fans travel has been made and everyone has to respect it, but Turkey were made welcome in England and we would have liked to reciprocate.

"Turkish supporters from all over Europe went to the game in Sunderland and I don't believe there would be any problem if fans were allowed to travel to Turkey. There is no safety issue. This is a game of football, not a war.

"There is a fanatical element attached to most national teams and a lot of clubs and there is always the potential for conflict.

"But Turkey is no different to anywhere else. An English fan is not going to get punched in the face just for being an English fan.

"There would have to be some sort of provocation first.

"If people do not do anything provocative there is no issue. No one attacks others without a reason, in Turkey or anywhere else."