MARK Hughes has backed Rovers midfielder David Bentley to hit new heights this season and win back his place in the England fold.

Bentley is set to make his first Premiership start tomorrow since withdrawing from the England U21 squad with fatigue ahead of their European Championship campaign.

The 22-year-old's controversial decision led to U21 boss Stuart Pearce questioning Bentley's commitment to his country, and even went so far as suggesting it may have harmed his long-term international prospects.

There was the added possibility of his move resulting in a backlash among Blackburn's opposition supporters.

But Hughes, who supported the former Arsenal man's decision to withdraw earlier this summer, does not expect Middlesbrough fans to give his flair player a tough time at the Riverside tomorrow.

The Rovers boss feels Bentley's England future will unravel itself over the coming weeks and months.

However, his only concern right now is seeing the gifted right-footed playmaker performing better and better in a Rovers shirt and taking his game to the next level.

"I think people should get behind the best young English talent that we have in this country," said Hughes.

"I'm hopeful that David's going to have a good start to the season which will help us to have a good start to the season, which we haven't been able to manage for the last few seasons.

"We hope he attains the levels of last year and surpasses them.

"If he does that, then he must be viewed as one of the most outstanding Premiership talents on the right hand side.

"He needs to produce again. It can't be just one season. He needs to maintain the levels he had last year because it was his first full season.

"But he's stronger than he was at this time last year and he had an exceptional season.

Hughes added: "He's a young man and there's a lot more to come from David.

"He's got great technical ability which he's had since he was a kid.

"But what he's adding to his game all the time is awareness, confidence in his game and the best way to influence games. That comes from playing week in, week out."

Later this month, England coach Steve McClaren will announce his squad for September's crucial European Championship qualifiers against Israel and Russia.

With David Beckham struggling to shake off an ankle injury, it could open the door for Bentley on England's right flank.

And Hughes is confident he can reclaim his England squad berth by producing the goods for Rovers.

"My concern is that David starts the season well and if he does that, then he will come into contention for international places," said Hughes.

"David's been playing exceptionally well in the competitive games that he's had in pre-season, so that's going to help him.

"We hope he has as good a season as he did last year.

"If he does, then I have no doubt he will be in and around the full international squad."