BLACKBURN manager Mark Hughes warned his players not to blow a year of hard work' as Rovers put the finishing touches to their preparations ahead of tonight's UEFA Cup tie with Red Bull Salzburg here in Austria.

After performing magnificently to finish sixth in the Premier League last season, Rovers have earned the right to return to the European stage for the first time in three years.

But, aware of the club's past record on the continent, Hughes is determined to make sure that history doesn't repeat itself in Salzburg's Red Bull Arena this evening.

Rovers have hardly covered themselves in glory in previous European campaigns; in fact, out of 16 games, they have only ever won one, and that was a dead rubber against Rosenborg in the doomed Champions League campaign of 1995.

There were times under previous regimes when Europe was viewed as a distraction, but that's not the case with Hughes, who is determined to chase UEFA Cup glory.

"It's really important that we compete on the European stage year in, year out," explained the Rovers boss.

"We don't want this to be a one-off situation, we want to keep on going forward and be involved in European competition this year, next year, and beyond.

"We're really conscious of the fact we've not covered ourselves in glory as a club on our European travels in the past, so this is an opportunity to put that right and make a real mark.

"It's important that a club CONTINUED ON P71 FROM BACK PAGE such as ours is playing in Europe because it doesn't just raise the profile of the club, it may also help in attracting players in the future."

Hughes boasted a proud record in Europe as a player, winning the Cup Winners' Cup on two occasions, first with Manchester United, and then again with Chelsea.

Now he's determined to make his mark in the UEFA Cup as a manager, knowing that a successful cup run would boost his chances of hanging on to key players like Lucas Neill, who has indicated he may quit for a bigger club' at the end of the season.

"I'd like to think we've already shown our ambition, but being involved in the latter stages of Europe would help in that respect," conceded Hughes.

"That might sway people to come here, and it might also sway people who are already here to stay as well."

Salzburg will provide a stiff test of Rovers' European mettle.

Managed by the legendary Italian coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, the Austrians are currently riding high at the top of their domestic league, and the fact they play on an artificial pitch gives them a clear advantage in tonight's first leg.

Hughes may therefore employ a 4-5-1 system in an effort to frustrate the home side.

"We'll consider all options," said the Rovers boss.