ROBBIE Savage has backed Mark Hughes to lead Blackburn Rovers out of their slump and back into Europe between now and the end of the season.

The former Welsh international, who joined Derby County earlier this week in a deal that could eventually rise to £2 million, insists Rovers are still in a strong position to claim a top-six spot, despite their recent blip in form.

After making their best start to a season since the title-winning campaign of 1994-95, Rovers have since faltered in their pursuit of a UEFA Cup place, winning just three of their last 11 league matches, a sequence which has resulted in them slipping down to ninth position in the table.

However, with just six points separating them and Manchester City, who are riding high in fourth, Savage is convinced his old club can still mount a powerful charge for Europe, providing they hang on to Hughes, who is thought to be on the shortlist for the vacant manager's job at Newcastle.

"I really hope Blackburn qualify for Europe and I think they will because they've certainly got the players," said Savage.

"I know they lost to Coventry in the Cup last weekend but before that, they had two good wins against Derby and Sunderland and things were starting to look good going into the new year.

"If they can keep all of their key players fit then I fancy them to finish in the top six, which would be another fantastic achievement.

"I think some of the fans don't always appreciate just how successful the club has been over the last few years.

"It's only when you go somewhere else, and start speaking to other people like I have at Derby, that you begin to realise just how fortunate Blackburn fans have been.

"Considering the amount of money Mark Hughes has had to spend, what he has achieved has been nothing short of phenomenal.

"During the last three years, the club has finished sixth and qualified for Europe twice, as well as appearing in three Cup semi-finals; two in the FA Cup and one in the Carling Cup.

"That's a proud record, which most of the clubs outside of the top four would love to have, and when you look at the resources available, the club has no real right to do that.

"The fact they have is largely down to the manager and the players, and I will always be proud to tell my grandchildren that I played for Blackburn Rovers."

After spending three of the best years of his career with Rovers, Savage was sad to leave earlier this week but, no longer an automatic choice in Hughes' starting eleven, he felt the time was right for a fresh start elsewhere, even though it meant swapping a push for the top-six for a relegation battle.

"I always thought I'd finish my career at Blackburn but things change quickly in football and I need to play regular first-team football," added the 33-year-old.

"Going to Derby is a new challenge for me, and it's one I'm looking forward to.

"It's a good move for me at this stage in my career, and it's good business for Blackburn as well.

"I've been very impressed by the facilities at Derby, and the people are very friendly too. In that respect, it's very similar to Blackburn."