TWO Rovers stars will be hoping to play their part in the continued rise of Turkish football.

Tugay and Hakan Unsal were part of the Euro 2000 squad that bounced back from an opening defeat against Italy to beat co-hosts Belgium and make it beyond the qualifying stages of a major tournament for the first time.

Tugay came to Ewood Park last summer, signed from Rangers as Graeme Souness looked to add some international quality to his side on its return to the top flight.

He certainly played his part, starting all but six Premiership games, with some superb performances in midfield, scoring a couple of great goals and showing why he has been a central figure in his country's side for many years.

Suspension robbed him of the chance of playing in the Worthington Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium but now he has the chance to show what he is capable of on the biggest stage of all.

He was joined at Ewood Park by former Galatasaray team mate Hakan Unsal in the winter as Rovers' hold on that cherished Premiership place was starting to look more than a little dubious.

He only started seven games but has managed to keep his place in the national squad ahead of the World Cup.