Hughes wants to finish his career at Ewood

The former Manchester United ace was left out of Graeme Souness's 16 altogether for last week's promotion showdown with Birmingham at St Andrew's -- sparking talk that he could be on his way out.

But the 37-year-old hit-man insists nothing could be further from the truth.

And he is happy to play whatever part Souness sees necessary in Rovers' promotion push -- even if that means having to settle for a place on the bench during the run-in.

"I'm very happy here," said Hughes. "I'm part of a squad of players and, at this time in my career, I'm not going to start banging on managers' doors.

"I'm more than happy to play my part when asked to do so -- whatever that may be.

"So I've no problems with the situation and I'd be happy to finish my career here.

"I've enjoyed my time so far and it's a first class set-up.

"I said at the time, I came here because it's a Premiership set-up and that's what I was used to.

"I've always been used to playing in big games as well and we are now going into a period where every game is a big one and that's how I like it."

With Matt Jansen and Marcus Bent currently in red-hot form up front, Hughes has had to take something of a backseat in recent weeks. But he underlined his immense value to the squad when he climbed off the bench on Saturday to set up Jansen's equaliser against Wimbledon.

"It was good to get 20-odd minutes -- I've just got to get on there and try and make an impression," said Hughes.

"It's a case of going out there and trying to upset people, which I find quite easy to be honest.

"But I had a hand in the goal which was nice.

"Generally speaking, though, we didn't play particularly well on the day and we never really got going.

"Having said that, Wimbledon are probably the last team you'd want to play after a good result because they've always been known in the past for frustrating so-called better teams.

"They were first class. They worked very hard for each other when they didn't have the ball and, in all honesty, we made hard work of getting a point out of it."

Hughes will miss Rovers' trip to Dubai due to Wales' World Cup Qualifiers against Armenia and Ukraine over the next eight days.

And he has indicated that Rovers team-mate Nathan Blake may join him for the home clash against the Ukraine.

"Nathan is there or thereabouts but he needs a game, really," said Hughes.

"So, hopefully, he might get a run out with the reserves this week.

"Then, if everything goes well, he might be involved for the Ukraine game.

"But he won't be involved against Armenia because it's a week too soon."

Meanwhile, as we reported in later editions last night, David Dunn has now been released from England Under 21 duty after being ordered to rest due to a toe injury. The 21-year-old midfielder returned to Brockhall yesterday and will fly out with the rest of his team-mates today for Rovers' seven day break in Dubai.

The players currently on international duty are not in the party while Marlon Broomes, Martin Taylor, Jeff Kenna and John Filan have also been left behind.

Rovers will spend the week training at the home of Al Nasser -- Dubai's biggest club.

And Souness believes the break could not have come soon enough.

"This is a good chance to get the players rested up, they can get a sun-tan, and it's a good way to get them away from all the pressures that have started to grow," said Souness.

"We'll train most days and maybe have a few games of golf.

"So it's a clear your heads time, and refresh your body time."

Bolton Wanderers have signed Rovers' 20-year-old wing-man Ryan Baldacchino.

The Leicester born player has joined Wanderers on a two-year contract after being told he could leave Ewood on a free recently.

Rovers have also received an enquiry for David McNamee and a deal could be thrashed out before Thursday's transfer deadline.