David Bentley has warned his Blackburn team-mates that missing out on a UEFA Cup spot for next season will be a "failure".
Bentley, who is due to open talks over an improved long-term contract, has viewed this season with great frustration and insists with the talent at their disposal, Rovers ought to be pushing for a Champions League place.
He said: "I won't be happy playing mid-table football and I think we should be pushing on even further. European football is the only success we're going to have this season and if we don't get that, it's a failure.
"We should be pushing the top teams with the players we've got. It's not acceptable to perform once in five games. You have to perform every week and we have to push ourselves onto the next level.
"If you have international players in your team and every player considers himself a top player in his own mind, they have to prove that on the pitch and you have to play in Europe at the highest level."
Rovers require success to fulfil the growing ambitions of England star Bentley, who has already inked a long-term contract at Ewood Park but is currently negotiating for an improved deal.
"I love this club and I love everyone here," added Bentley. "I love coming to work every day but you never know what's round the corner. It would be the hardest decision ever if I had to leave this club."
