MARK Hughes believes Blackburn Rovers are about to enter a make-or-break period in their season as they prepare to head for the capital tomorrow.

After crashing out of the Carling Cup in controversial circumstances at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, Rovers now face two massive games against West Ham and Manchester United in the space of the next five days, the outcome of which could well define the rest of their season.

Speaking ahead of his side's FA Cup fourth round clash with the Hammers this weekend, a bullish Hughes said today: "We've always identified this as an important week for us.

"We wanted to get to the Carling Cup final but, unfortunately, we weren't able to do that.

"But if we can get through to the next round of the FA Cup (tomorrow) and then pick up points against United in the league on Wednesday we'll be in great shape for the back end of the season."

Hughes has little time to pick his players up following the disappointment of their Carling Cup exit at the hands of United, but he believes the incentive of further cup glory will help to focus minds at Upton Park.

Rovers and West Ham have already been involved in two feisty league clashes this season; the Hammers took the honours on the opening day of the season when they beat Rovers 3-1, but Rovers then edged a five-goal thriller at Ewood Park in December.

As a result, Hughes is expecting another lively tussle tomorrow and he is backing his players to gain revenge for what happened at Upton Park earlier in the season.

"We've had two good games against them and there were plenty of goals so that augurs well for this being a good cup tie," said Hughes, who also confirmed that Craig Bellamy is likely to miss Rovers' next two games because of a recurring hamstring problem.

"Both sides try and play the right way and West Ham have certainly got a lot of good attacking players.

"But we are looking to progress in this cup. The League Cup has closed on us now so, hopefully, we can keep the FA Cup run going instead."

Meanwhile, Hughes has played down the half-time tunnel incident which marred Wednesday night's Carling Cup defeat at Old Trafford.

A clash between Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage sparked an episode in which the Rovers midfielder pursued Ferdinand down the tunnel, followed by players and coaching staff from both teams.

Despite reports of punches being thrown in the ensuing melee, Hughes insisted there was no cause for a FA investigation.

He added: "In my view not a great deal happened. There are observers in every tunnel area these days and if anything merited reporting or questioning I think it would have been brought up by now.

"You will have to ask Rio Ferdinand why he did what he did as he was leaving the pitch. But it was something and nothing and I think we can draw a line under it."