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Hughes still out to overcome Villans
Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes is delighted the club still have something to fight for on the final day of the season.
Rovers have an outside chance of snatching sixth place and an Intertoto Cup spot and that is all Hughes could have hoped for at this stage.
Blackburn have to beat Birmingham – who themselves need at least a draw to avoid falling back into the Championship – and hope Aston Villa drop points at West Ham.
At the start of the season Hughes set his side the target of 60 points – eight more than they achieved in the previous campaign – as he felt that would be enough to earn a UEFA Cup place.
Unfortunately for him it is likely to be more this time around, with Everton currently fifth on 62, Villa next on 59 and Rovers a further point behind.
But that has not changed his view that this has been a good season for his team.
"We just have to deal with what we can deal with, and make sure we do our part of things," said Hughes.
"We've got one game to go, there's three points up for grabs, and who knows what will happen on the last day?
"There are always twists and turns and we may pinch a place in Europe. But irrespective of what happens on Sunday, we've still had an outstanding season.
"We've never been out of the top 10 all year, which is unbelievable really."
Rovers' European aspirations appeared to have disappeared after taking three points from four matches from the end of March to mid-April.
But two victories since then, coupled with Villa faltering in their last couple of matches, has brought the Intertoto back into focus again as they head to St Andrews on Sunday.
"Once again we've just crept up outside the radar and we are still involved," Hughes added.
"We'll play a big part in the future of not only ourselves but another club as well.
"It's a huge game for both teams now."
Rovers midfielder Steven Reid is upbeat about their chances of overtaking Villa in a dramatic climax to the season.
"Sixty-one points in other seasons has been enough for Europe and hopefully it will be the same again," said Reid, who is expecting a tough test at St Andrews.
"It is always a decent atmosphere there, but I think with the results needed it will make it that bit more special.
"And it is a game we are looking forward to.
"Their fans are going to get behind them. It is always a tough game down there, and with them needing a result against us it is going to be even tougher."
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 14 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
