Focus on Mypa-Hughes

Hughes wants his team fully focused on getting a head start against MyPa in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.

Hughes knows victory in Finland in the first leg will put them in the driving seat for a place in the first round proper.

Rovers want to improve on their UEFA Cup experience last year when they reached the last 32 of the competition.

Hughes said: "There is a big prize ahead of us - we are aiming to get into the first round along with the other English clubs.

"It is important we put ourselves in a position against MyPa so we have a chance of progressing.

"We got a taste of Europe last season and enjoyed it, although we were a bit unlucky to go out when we did.

"We are aiming to get a positive result in Finland rather than looking to the weekend's game."

After finishing 10th last season, Blackburn entered the UEFA Cup via the Intertoto Cup after eliminating Lithuanian side FK Vetra.

It has proved to be a worthwhile exercise, according to Hughes, who saw his side defeat Middlesbrough on the opening day of the season.

He said: "The fact that we had won a couple of competitive games helped us at the weekend.

"We have started well in the Premier League after a good pre-season and want that form to continue in the UEFA Cup.

"It is important to get an away goal or two and get the job done. I would settle for similar result to Vetra, when we won 2-0 in the away game."

Meanwhile Blackburn's Finnish goalkeeper Peter Enckelman believes MyPa will be highly motivated in front of an anticipated 4,000 crowd.

He said: "It is their biggest game of the season without a doubt and if our attitude is not right, we will be in trouble.

"They will put in a lot of effort and we have to match that. It should be a good atmosphere.

"The ground is very picturesque, in the middle of a forest, and the pitch is usually okay, which is the main thing."