FIRED-UP Jason Wilcox is back in business for Blackburn Rovers, writes TONY DEWHURST.

Wilcox has made a splendid start to the new campaign as Rovers sit proudly at the the summit of the Premiership ahead of Saturday's visit by Liverpool.

And the winger is already predicting a European place in 1998 as he settles into life under Roy Hodgson.

Wilcox said: "There is a genuine buzz at the club again and I do not see any reason at all why we cannot get into Europe next season.

"It is a very realistic goal for us, especially with the new spirit and belief in the camp.

"All of a sudden everything seems to be coming together as a package.

"We have made a great start to the season and the message is clear: Blackburn Rovers are on the march again.

"The 4-0 win at Aston Villa was a first class result and it just shows what we are capable of." Wilcox, who fought his way back from cruciate ligament surgery to win his first England cap under Terry Venables, suffered unwelcome abuse from a small section of the home support last season.

But Wilcox - who signed a five-year contract last year - admits that experience is firmly behind him now.

And he still hopes his Premiership form can force him back in to England contention for the World Cup in France '98.

"I had quite a few problems last season and things just came to a head," added Wilcox.

"I just felt that the fans were perhaps a bit quick to jump on my back when things were not going too well.

"But I've always had a very good relationship with the Blackburn supporters and we have to look ahead now. I am feeling a lot more settled overall.

"The crowd have really got behind us this season and I think that has reflected in our performances.

"I'd love to get another opportunity to play for England. That was very special.

"But my first priority is with Blackburn. Nobody appears sure of their places under the new manager and that has added a real edge for competition.

"I am sure he will be bringing other players in so there will be an even bigger battle for places."

Wilcox also had words of praise for the new Blackburn boss.

"He is a very disciplined man who knows what he wants for Blackburn Rovers."

Hodgson will today anxiously wait for news of the many Ewood stars on duty with their national sides in last night's World Cup qualifying games.

And triallist Tore Pedersen, a versatile defender capped by Norway, featured as a centre half for 85 minutes in last night's 2-2 draw for the reserves against Manchester United at Old Trafford last night (Full report: Page 42). Hodgson is continuing to scour the continent for fresh faces and chief scout Mick Brown travelled to Sweden to watch the game between Halmstad and Helsingborg.

And while Halmstad striker Mats Lilienberg will have caught the eye with a hat-trick, Hodgson today revealed attention had been focussed on two central defenders.

They are Jesper Mattson, a 29-year-old central defender with Halmstad who has been capped once for Sweden, and Andreas Jacobsson, a 24-year-old with Helsingborg who was in last night's Swedish squad for the World Cup qualifier 2-1 win in Belarus.

All tickets for Blackburn Rovers supporters in home areas have been sold for this weekend's Premiership clash against Liverpool.

Liverpool have approximately 500 tickets left for their own supporters but fans are advised that there will be no admittance on the day without a ticket.

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