BLACKBURN ROVERS manager Mark Hughes reckons today's match with Fulham marks the beginning of what could be a defining period in Rovers' season.

After this afternoon's date with the Cottagers at Ewood Park, Rovers then face games against Charlton Athletic, Newcastle United and Reading, all of which look winnable on paper.

And Hughes admits he will have a far clearer picture of how Rovers' season is likely to develop once his players have negotiated these next four hurdles.

Rovers have not won a Premier League match since Wigan were defeated 2-1 at Ewood on October 1.

Since then, Hughes' players have taken just two points from a possible 18 in the league, a worrying haul which has led to them sliding into the bottom five.

But Hughes is urging fans not to panic, insisting instead it's only a matter of time before his side starts climbing the table again.

"We're honest enough to admit we'd prefer to have more points on the board than we have at this stage in the season," said Hughes.

"But in saying that, we've got a period of games now against teams we feel we can pick up points against.

"If we can get two positive results in the next two games then we'll be at exactly the same stage points wise as we were last year, and we then went on to have a very successful season.

"So, although we'd prefer to have more points on the board, it's not a situation that we are unduly worried about.

"We are looking to be positive because we need to get back on track and start winning games."

It was around this time last year that Rovers' charge for a top-six place began to gather momentum, and Hughes believes December could prove to be a crucial month again, in terms of his players' quest for another top 10 finish.

"December was a big month for us last year," said the Rovers boss.

"I think we had a decent run and the first time we got into the top 10 was after we won at Wigan.

"Once we were there, we stayed there, and I'd like to think we can do that again."