BLACKBURN chairman John Williams is targeting a place in Europe as reward for the club's progress this season.

With Rovers riding high in eighth place in the Barclays Premiership, and potentially 90 minutes away from the Carling Cup final, Williams believes a UEFA Cup spot is within reach.

Manager Mark Hughes has undoubtedly engineered a remarkable about-turn in Rovers' fortunes since his arrival, and Williams could not be happier.

"I feel we are progressing," said Williams. "As a board we are delighted with what Mark and his backroom staff have achieved.

"I think the squad is very strong, and if you look at the bench it is well balanced.

"Although fortunes wax and wane in football - sometimes you have a good month, sometimes you have a bad month - I think it's clear to the neutral observer we are moving in the right direction."

Undoubtedly for Williams, the next logical step up the ladder is European football, adding: "Europe is where you want to be because it is something different in your season. Most of us have squads these days that can cope with that.

"The UEFA Cup is also now more financially lucrative than it was because there are group stages, something not available to us the last time we were there.

"Unfortunately, we don't have an enviable record in Europe. We've qualified a few times, but I would like the chance to put the record straight.

"It would be great if we could qualify again, and the Carling Cup represents a great chance for us."

Rovers were held to a pulsating 1-1 draw by Manchester United in the first leg of their semi-final clash, but with Old Trafford holding no fears in the return after a 2-1 league win earlier in the season.

After a week of cup football, it is back to league action for Hughes and his players with a local derby against Bolton.

Other than aching limbs after their efforts against United, Hughes has no fresh injury concerns.