Reid targets Europe for Rovers

Blackburn winger Steven Reid believes there is no reason why Mark Hughes’ side cannot qualify for Europe this season.

Rovers are currently 12th in the Barclays Premiership and travel to Highbury to meet Arsenal this weekend.

Despite only winning two of their last five games, Republic of Ireland winger Reid insists their performances give them reason to be positive about climbing the table and achieving European qualification.

“The way we are playing at the moment, why not?” said Reid.

“We are not going to get carried away but if you look at Chelsea, they are running away with it.

“I think the rest are all capable of beating one another so you don’t know where a few wins might take you.

“We are going into games now expecting to win and a lot of that is down to the manager.”

Recently Blackburn picked up victories against Charlton and Birmingham and beat Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season.

And Reid believes Hughes’ distinguished playing career is showing through in his managerial career.

He told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: “He had a winning mentality throughout his career and I think he’s instilled that into us.”

Reid also emphasised the defiant response to criticism aimed at the Blackburn players and their style of play, having come under scrutiny after their unsuccessful FA Cup semi-final against the Gunners last season.

“It doesn’t really bother us. We’ve had plenty of critics in the last couple of years, but we don’t really take much notice of what’s written. We’ll just carry on creeping up there and see where it takes us.”

Hughes will be unable to call upon midfielder David Bentley, who is not allowed to play as part of his loan deal from the Gunners.

However, Australian duo Brett Emerton and Lucas Neill will make their returns after recovering from the exertion of helping their country qualify for next summer’s World Cup.

Reid played in the side which drew 0-0 with Manchester City last week and should recover from a dead leg to be in contention for the match, while David Thompson is also fit and vying for a place in the team after recovering from injury.