Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes goes into tonight's Ewood Park clash with in-form Aston Villa targeting a top-four finish in the Premiership.

Hughes pledged his future to the Lancashire club last week by signing a lucrative new contract that will keep at Blackburn until 2010.

Now the Rovers boss thinks it is high time for his side to break the big four's monopoly - starting with a win over Martin O'Neill's resurgent side.

Ninth-placed Rovers stumbled to a 2-2 draw at Fulham on Sunday, but the prospect of three consecutive home games has given Hughes hope of catching up with the big guns.

On their day, Hughes' sturdy yet increasingly entertaining side can be a match for anyone - and the former Wales manager believes a Champions League spot is not beyond their grasp.

"It becomes more and more difficult every year because of the resources but it is realistic this year and we will certainly go out and have a real go at it," he said.

"The make-up of the results this year seems to be a little bit different with most of the top teams beating most of the bottom teams, so that may lead to more teams being able to challenge the top four.

"I thought we played well on Sunday despite only getting a draw at Fulham and now we go into three home games where we can expect to get results. If we can do that we will be right up there."

South African striker Benni McCarthy has passed a fitness test despite limping off with a badly gashed leg at Craven Cottage.

With Matt Derbyshire back from a thigh strain, David Dunn returning from suspension and Roque Santa Cruz refreshed after a much-needed weekend rest, Hughes' squad will be virtually at full strength.

"The squad is very strong at the moment and I have got a lot of striking options and a lot of tough decisions to make," said Hughes, who also refuted claims that he was ready to move back into international management to fill the vacant England post.

Rovers' opponents will be no roll-over, however. The Birmingham side have won their last three matches on the trot and are currently sitting one point ahead of Blackburn in seventh.

"Villa are playing well and have a good threat up front with John Carew, who is a handful, and a lot of pace in and around him," said Hughes. "They are nice and solid at the back as well.

"But our home form has been great this season and it is key to us having a good season. If we can keep getting maximum points at home we will do that and now we have three home games back to back."

Martin O'Neill has no fresh injury concerns and will be able to pick from the same squad of players that demolished Middlesbrough 3-0 at the Riverside at the weekend.

In-form England U21 striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is set to partner Carew up front after notching six goals in the past ten games.

FL / Eurosport