Hughes finds inspiration in Barca memory

Blackburn must overcome a 2-0 first-leg defeat by Greek Cup holders Larissa to reach the group stages — a hurdle manager Hughes recalls from his days as a rookie striker at Manchester United.

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Blackburn's European record is poor. Reaching the UEFA Cup's last 32 a year ago was a relative success for them, but Hughes senses his team can create their own comeback history backed by a vociferous Ewood Park crowd.

He said: "I may well mention my experiences with United to the players to show it can be done. We lost a Cup-winners' Cup first leg to Barcelona 2-0, although we did quite well on the night.

"I had what I still think was a good goal knocked off for offside on my full debut in European football.

"Nobody expected us to win in the return. We were up against Maradona and other world-class players. But we went in there with a positive attitude and the Old Trafford crowd were unbelievable that night.

"Mind you, at 3-0 up I came on for the last 10 minutes and it was nearly the end of my career! I gave away what was a definite penalty, to be honest.

"I was in the box — goodness knows what I was doing there — and I stuck my leg out like centre forwards are wont to do. Their guy went over my leg and there was a hush in the crowd for a split second.

"The referee waved play on, thankfully. You need to be a strong referee to give a penalty against United at Old Trafford! Elsewhere, I have seen them given.

"In Europe things can happen and conspire against you, but it can go the other way and you can feel if it is going to be your night. You get a special feeling and the players buy into it.

"Hopefully, that will be the case against Larissa. There will be a sense that something is happening. We can get into the ascendancy, get a goal and then who knows where that can get us?2

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who was involved in European nights with Liverpool, said an early Greek goal would leave "a mountain to climb".

He said: "It's black and white — we need to score goals and keep a clean sheet. As a player, if you need somebody to motivate you for this one you might be in the wrong profession."

Hughes' decision to drop Benni McCarthy, Morten Pedersen and Robbie Savage at the weekend paid off with a win at Sunderland and McCarthy may be on the bench tonight.