CRAIG Bellamy reckons Mark Hughes can follow in the footsteps of Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson and become one of the top managers in the Premier League after sensationally transforming the fortunes of Blackburn Rovers.

The fiercely ambitious Blackburn boss has already been touted as a potential successor to Ferguson at Manchester United because of the impressive way in which he has managed to change Rovers from relegation candidates into shock contenders for a Champions League spot during the course of the last 12 months.

And Bellamy is convinced that Hughes has what it takes to manage one of the Premiership's big guns' at some point in the future after he has overseen a mini revolution at Ewood Park.

"He's definitely got that in him," said Bellamy, who will lead the Rovers attack against Arsenal tomorrow.

"You never see him getting into any conflict with players.

"He's not a ranter, he tries to praise everyone he can, but he'll soon let you know if you're not doing it as well.

"He raises the bar, if you know what I mean. He expects so much from certain players.

"He's been at big clubs before, he's won things, and he's got that mentality as well.

"He knows what to expect and, no matter who you are playing against, he tells you not to be fazed.

"I think a lot of the other players, myself included, have really tried to take that on board and we've become better players for it."

This time last year, Rovers were embroiled in a battle for Premiership survival after Hughes' predecessor, Graeme Souness, had allowed things to slide during the final months of his four year reign.

But it's a different story 12 months on and Rovers could go fifth in the Premiership tomorrow and move to within striking distance of the Champions League places if they beat Arsenal at Ewood.

Rovers have already completed a league double over Manchester United and a win over the Gunners would provide further compelling evidence of the great work Hughes is doing in his first job as a Premiership manager.

Bellamy added: "I don't think there could have been any better job for Mark to come into in the Premiership than this one.

"As a club, the expectations weren't that high. Blackburn were always talked down in the past. It was about avoiding relegation.

"But the gaffer now sets targets and he wants us to be in Europe. He invites pressure on himself by doing that but that's something he wants, and it's something he wants from the players, too.

"He's made a great start to his managerial career but he's been at a great club which has allowed him to do that."