BULLISH Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has set his sights on a push for Europe following his shock capture of Craig Bellamy.

The ambitious Ewood chief believes he now has the attacking armoury to take the club on to the next level following Bellamy's arrival from Newcastle United in a £4 million deal last Thursday.

The 25-year-old's blistering pace will give Rovers the cutting edge that was badly missing last season and Hughes is adamant he's now in a position to transform the club into a top six force over the next 12 months.

Asked if he felt Rovers were capable of qualifying for Europe, Hughes responsded: "Hopefully at the end of the year we can.

"Thats the measure of our ambition, we want to get into Europe this year, and I think with a player of Craig's undoubted ability we have an opportunity to do that now.

"It is a notice of intent, we are not going to stand still, we are going to keep pushing the club forward.

"It is certainly my intention to try and make Blackburn Rovers the best they can be.

"We need to attract players of the quality of Craig Bellamy and we've been able to do it and I think that has sent a message to everybody.

"Maybe in the past we have kept expectations low, and maybe that's easier when you are in a position as a manager because then you can over-achieve, but I think it is time to extend ourselves and raise expectations and get people excited by what is happening here."

Hughes' upbeat message will be welcomed by the fans, who have had to endure two seasons of struggle at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

And in a tight financial climate, Hughes is grateful to the board for the ambition they have shown in backing his plans with the hard cash to fund Bellamy's arrival.

The Rovers boss added: "Our chairman needs to be congratulated because it was a deal that needed to be done and he was able to do it, so I'm very grateful."