Hughes confident of reaching knock-out stages despite injuries

BLACKBURN’S Australian international Brett Emerton has been ruled out of tonight’s UEFA Cup clash against Basle because of a hamstring strain.

Morten Gamst Pedersen (ankle) and Shabani Nondo (shin) are also rated doubtful for this group game.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes is confident his side can take another step towards the knockout stages tonight even if he is down on numbers.