ROVERS coach Tony Parkes has his sights set firmly on European football next season as the club prepares for tonight's Worthington Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.

Rovers have made solid progress in the top flight, losing only five of their 16 Barclaycard Premiership games to date.

And although making it into the UEFA Cup through the league looks just beyond Graeme Souness' men on current form, two games are all that stand between Rovers and a Worthington Cup final date in Cardiff on February 24 - and with it the chance to secure the return of European football to Ewood Park with victory at the Millennium Stadium.

"The carrot is there that if we get through this round, we are right in the thick of it," Parkes said.

"It's the easiest way for us into Europe and it would be very nice to have European football at Blackburn next season."

No one at Ewood is taking tonight's home tie with the Gunners lightly given the strength of Arsene Wenger's expensively-assembled squad.

But Rovers earned a creditable 3-3 draw when the two side's met at Highbury in the Premiership on October 20, David Dunn catching the eye with a stunning double as Rovers took the lead and then twice fought back to earn a share of the spoils - though this time he must beat in-form Stuart Taylor who again deputises for the injured pair of David Seaman and Richard Wright.

And Parkes feels his side can take plenty of heart from their display in north London. He said: "They probably took us a little bit lightly and did not know too much about us, a promoted side coming into the Premiership.

"But also they have conceded goals against other teams. That gives us heart and shows that we can score goals against them and we'll be looking to do that again."

The Gunners will rotate their vast squad but Parkes said: "We won't be resting anyone.

"It's the last eight of the competition and we want to stay in there. If we can get to the final then it's big stuff for us.

"We need to get through. It's unfortunate we have had to play this tie so soon after a tiring Premier League game with Leeds on Sunday, but that's the way it is.

"And Arsenal also had to play at the same time, so it's the same for both of us."

Parkes readily accepts that Arsenal have more resources available.

"We'll be playing our strongest side, but I will say that Arsenal probably have a much bigger squad in depth than us. They can make changes and still put out an excellent side - that's the advantage they have over us."

"They are one of the best sides in the country. They have got a great chance of winning the league.

"They are an excellent attacking team, but they do concede goals. We scored three at Highbury recently, Charlton scored four and Aston Villa were two ahead on Sunday before the game was turned around.

"I watched the end of their game when I got home from our game, and they were outstanding.

"That's the kind of team they are. They are probably the best side in the country going forward - we need to be aware of that."

Rovers, who have lost their last two league games, need to find their scoring touch.

Parkes said: "It's a difficult week for us. Leeds, Arsenal and then Newcastle on Saturday - it's a very important time for us.

"The goals aren't going in and it's no secret we are looking to buy a new striker."

Rovers will still be without skipper Garry Flitcroft with a torn groin muscle. Stig Inge Bjornebye, who is 32 today, is also out with a calf problem.