VETERAN striker Mark Hughes today revealed he's considering extending his playing career beyond the end of the season as he prepares for another tilt at Cup glory in the Worthington Cup.

The 38-year-old frontman was thought to be ready to hang up his boots at the end of the season to concentrate on his managerial career with Rovers' appearance at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium expected to be his swansong.

However, in an exclusive interview with the Evening Telegraph, the Welsh warhorse has now admitted he's considering playing on but whether that's with Rovers or not remains to be seen.

"The doc reckons it's a good time to go so he's, obviously, retiring me after the Cup final," joked Hughes.

"But I may still have something to say about that.

"Obviously, I'm not going to have many more opportunities like this to play in a final so I plan to make the most of it.

"And as for the future, I've not had any thoughts or discussions about it with anyone as yet so that's something I'll probably look at again in the summer.

"I still feel I'm fit enough to contribute but whether or not I'm able enough is up to other people to decide.

"So we'll see what happens but I'd possibly like to continue."

With Hughes's contract at Rovers due to expire in the summer, the Welsh international manager will seek assurances from Ewood chief Graeme Souness before deciding on where his future lies.

But, in the meantime, he is solely focused on helping the club to win their relegation battle as well as added another Cup winners' medal to his bulging collection.

"I'm really looking forward to it. This club hasn't been in a major final for so many years so it promises to be a great day out for everyone," said Hughes.

"I've played in four league Cup finals and won two and lost two.

"So it would be nice to be able to say I've won more than I've lost.

"I know the Worthington Cup comes in for some stick but it is a cup final and it's experiences like that you remember for the rest of your career.

"I know from experience, it's not much fun if you go there and get beat so it's important that you win them.

"But before all that, we've got to concentrate on getting some points in the league -- starting with Saturday's game at Fulham."