Hughes thought their chance has disappeared when they lost at home to Aston Villa in the Barclays Premiership 10 days ago .

But with Chelsea - who defeated Blackburn in the FA Cup semi-final - and Manchester United contesting the Wembley showpiece the Premiership's seventh-placed team will now play in Europe.

There is also an Intertoto Cup spot for eighth position and Hughes is ready to go down that route if need be.

Blackburn are nine points behind Portsmouth, who lie seventh, but with two matches in hand are looking to make up ground, starting tomorrow when they face Watford at Ewood Park.

Hughes saw his side advance to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup this season and he said: "European football is something we have to aspire to every year if we are to progress as a club.

"We still have a real opportunity to get there again and we are going to have a real go.

"We want to get our reward so it makes our efforts this year worthwhile.

"It is a big ask but not beyond us, given the way we played against Chelsea.

"The teams in and around us have games against each other and the top teams. It will be difficult for them to pick up maximum points while we could.

"The UEFA Cup is our aim but we have put ourselves down for the Intertoto just in case."

Jason Roberts looks set to face Watford after fears that he may have damaged his foot were allayed.

The former Wigan striker scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat before limping out of Old Trafford.

However, he was given the all-clear after a scan and Hughes said: "Jason will play a part until the end of the season.

"He has been very unlucky since he joined us but he was one of our star performers against Chelsea."

Hughes does not expect any hangover from that match, with Chelsea sealing victory thanks to Michael Ballack's extra-time winner

He said: "While we are all disappointed with what happened on Sunday, we will not let our season die out.

"We ran a exceptionally good team very close. I was delighted with the performance.

"We have taken a lot of credit from the game and that is pleasing. The level of performance we hit at the weekend was good."

Watford chalked up one of only four league victories against Blackburn in January and Hughes is anxious to avoid an action replay.

However, he believes manager Adrian Boothroyd deserves credit for the job he has done at Vicarage Road.

Hughes said: "He's had a impact. He's remained positive and tried to galvanise his team.

"He will know himself he has improved as a manager this year.

"Very few clubs have turned them over and we have a bit of a score to settle against them.

"We didn't cope with the way they played and that has to change."