Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has been heartened by remarks made by former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson as he attempts to take the club to a higher level.

Hughes is hoping his side can extend their unbeaten run to 13 games stretching back to last season when they entertain MyPa in the UEFA Cup tonight.

Rovers have not been defeated since losing narrowly to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.

Hughes took a number of positives from that performance - and so apparently did Manchester United manager Ferguson.

"Sir Alex mentioned us as a team that could shake up the top four," said the Blackburn boss.

"I think what he meant was that we had the capacity to take points off those teams, rather than make the top four.

"While that would be something, his comments and others like them now show us in a good light.

"I like to think we have improved vastly in our last three games as well and are at a great level.

"We have hit the ground running and that is important. We are ahead of where we expected to be.

"I believe we are a good team that can cause others problems but is important to maintain our good start."

Blackburn are aiming to improve on their 1-0 victory against the Finnish side going into tonight's second leg, thereby securing a place in the first round proper alongside Spurs, Everton and Bolton.

Rovers enjoyed a good campaign last season, eventually going out to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 32.

Hughes added: "It is a competition we want to do well in. We want to keep on progressing."