Bolton manager Sam Allardyce believes Mark Hughes should be widely applauded for the way he goes about his business at Blackburn.

The two men come face to face in the Barclays Premiership tomorrow with bot sides showing impressive form going into the derby at Ewood Park.

Blackburn are on the up after banishing their relegation blues in Hughes' first season in charge after leaving as Wales boss.

Allardyce said: "Mark has taken the club on to another level after making sure they stayed in the Premiership.

"That was a bit of a battle but he then made some shrewd signings in the summer.

"He gets the best out of each individual and the team as whole. That has produced a string of results, especially over Christmas, that boosted everyone's confidence."

Blackburn managed to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the league earlier in the season and Allardyce took in the game in midweek when the sides met in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

That finished in a 1-1 draw with Morten Gamst Pedersen scoring a superb equaliser after United's Louis Saha had made the breakthrough.

Allardyce said: "Blackburn put on a great show in the cup. They must be looking forward to playing us under the circumstances.

"Pedersen is one of the best wide players when it comes to scoring in the Premiership.

"It was a world- class finish against United."