MARK Hughes today insisted he will not change the way his team plays even though Rovers have been battered in the national media over the last 48 hours for the way they approached their cup semi-final with Arsenal.

Hughes has been shocked by the way the game was reported in the Press, with many southern based journalists accusing his side of trying to kick the Gunners off the park at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Andy Todd, in particular, was singled out for a barrage of critcism following his late collision with Arsenal's Robin van Persie, and many pundits have criticised Rovers for being 'over physical.'

However, Hughes insists some of the coverage has been way over the top and he insists he will not be forced into changing his gameplan to suit certain sections of the media.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Telegraph, Hughes said: "I was surprised by the reaction to the game in the Press and how hysterical it was.

"Some of the things that were said were uncalled for and we were absolutely astonished at how the game was reported.

"I've got to say I didn't see that coming because I didn't view the game in that way at all.

"I've since watched it again on video and I haven't changed my view.

"If some of the Press took the time to watch it again then maybe they might change their view of how it was reported immediately after the event."

Hughes blames the southern-based media in particular for the way the game has been reported over the last 48 hours.

Similar hysteria was created after Rovers' game with Chelsea recently and the Welshman believes certain sections of the Press now have a vendetta against the club.

"We've played Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United recently and nothing was said at all about the way we played in those games," said Hughes.

"The only problem we've had is when we've played Chelsea and Arsenal.

"Make of that what you will but people in the media clearly have a certain agenda.

"The thing that angers me is a lot of the press who have written about us (over the last few days) have probably only seen two of our games this season, against Chelsea and Arsenal, and they are making snap judgements based on that."

Hughes has also leapt to the defence of Todd, who has been chastised for catching van Persie in the face with his forearm.

The defender insists any contact was accidental and that's a view Hughes also shares after studying video footage of the incident.

The Rovers boss said: "When I first commented about it immediately after the game I hadn't seen the incident again so there wasn't much I could say.

"But I've since seen it again and I've also spoken to Andy and he's adamant it was an accident.

"When you look at it again in slow motion, the ball hasn't even crossed the line when the two of them make contact with each other so to say that Andy has done it intentionally is incorrect.

"From certain angles, you might get that impression but when you look at it properly you can see that Andy doesn't move his head, he's just looking straight at the ball."

The FA have until 6pm today to decide whether to charge Todd with violent conduct but if they do then Rovers are ready to fight such a charge.

Meanwhile, Paul Dickov is set to have a scan on a medial knee ligament injury he sustained against Arsenal.

The Scotland international is unlikely to play against Crystal Palace tomorrow.