MARK Hughes insists Tugay still has a big part to play for Blackburn Rovers - despite the fact he has not played a single minute in the Premiership so far this season.

The veteran Turk has had to settle for a bit part during the opening weeks of the campaign, with Hughes preferring to go with David Dunn and Robbie Savage instead in the centre of midfield.

However, the Rovers boss is adamant the 37-year-old schemer remains a key figure in his squad, and he has moved quickly to rubbish speculation linking the former Galatasaray star with a pre-deadline move to West Ham United.

"I've no idea where that has come from," said Hughes, who is considering handing Tugay a recall for tomorrow's UEFA Cup tie with MyPa-47 at Ewood.

"He's one who would love to be playing at the moment, and he may well get a chance tomorrow.

"He knows how we feel about him, we love him, he's technically one of the best players in the club and the Premiership.

"He's at the twilight of his career and wants to play, but he's very happy. He's at a stage where he will get a number of games.

"He knows that, and there's very few players of his ilk, so you can't afford to let them go."

Tugay has only started one game - the away leg of the Intertoto Cup tie against Vetra - since he signed a new contract extension at the beginning of the summer, and his only other taste of action came as a late substitute in the first leg of Rovers' UEFA Cup tie with MyPa a fortnight ago.

However, the reason his opportunities have been limited is mainly down to Dunn, who has turned in a series of impressive performances since Hughes decided to give him a run in the side.

"Dunny has done very well. It was important to give him a run and he's been excellent," said the Rovers chief.

"He's made a good start so I've stuck with him.

"But it's a long season and everyone in the club understands there will be changes. Those not playing have to be patient."