VETERAN striker Mark Hughes may hold the key to Shefki Kuqi's hopes of a move to Ewood.

I have it on good authority that County boss Carlton Palmer wants the former Manchester United star to join the Hatters First Division survival battle on loan.

And Rovers hopes of landing Finnish international Kuqi may now hinge on whether or not the former Welsh international is prepared to move in the opposition direction on a temporary basis.

Hughes has had to settle for a backseat this season while Matt Jansen and Ciccio Grabbi have taken centre stage on Rovers' return to the Premiership.

But he proved an inspirational signing last season, playing a leading role in the club's march to promotion in the First Division.

And Palmer believes his experience could be vital in helping to steer County away from the threat of relegation.

"Carlton Palmer wants to bring in Mark Hughes and that could happen if Stockport allow Shefki Kuqi to go to Ewood," said a Stockport source.

"Shefki's desperate to join Blackburn and it looks like they will be in with another offer soon."

However, whether or not Hughes would be interested in dropping down a division at this stage in his career could yet prove to be a stumbling block.

The Kuqi situation was certainly discussed by manager Graeme Souness at a board meeting yesterday.

And the Ewood chief remains keen on the 24-year-old, although he is reluctant to meet County's valuation.

Therefore, a loan deal may yet suit both parties, with Kuqi coming to Ewood initially on loan and Hughes moving in the opposite direction.

"We discussed Kuqi's situation yesterday and it's something that's still under consideration," said chief executive John Williams.

Meanwhile, Ewood ace David Dunn today said England's under-21s have nothing to fear after they qualified for next summer's European Championships last night.

West Ham's Michael Carrick scored the all important goal to sink Holland 1-0 at Pride Park -- a result which sent David Platt's men through 3-2 on aggregate.

"We have nothing to be scared of because we've proved we can beat anyone on our day," said Dunn.