Blackburn boss Mark Hughes admits he has been heartened by Sir Alex Ferguson's remark that Rovers could "shake up the top four" this season.

Hughes is hoping his side can extend their unbeaten run to 13 games stretching back to last season when they entertain MyPa in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.

Rovers have not been defeated since losing narrowly to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.

Hughes took a number of positives from that performance - and so apparently did Hughes former mentor, Manchester United boss Ferguson.

"Sir Alex mentioned us as a team that could shake up the top four," said Hughes.

"I think what he meant was that we had the capacity to take points off those teams, rather than make the top four.

"While that would be something, his comments and others like them now show us in a good light.

"I like to think we have improved vastly in our last three games as well and are at a great level.

"We have hit the ground running and that is important. We are ahead of where we expected to be.

"I believe we are a good team that can cause others problems but is important to maintain our good start."