BLACKBURN ROVERS defender Brett Emerton has defended the club's trip to America.

And he is hoping his team-mates can return to these shores fully refreshed and ready to make a serious assault on European qualification.

Blackburn have come under fire from sections of their support for the trip to Orlando, which has been organised due to their early exit from the FA Cup, especially in light of the recent inactivity in the January transfer window.

But Emerton, who only just returned from jetting round the world last Friday after representing the Socceroos in Australia against Qatar, pointed to the effect previous trips have had on the team.

In recent years, Rovers have organised short training breaks in Dubai, before embarking on impressive end-of-season runs.

And Emerton, who left for the States with the squad yesterday, was hoping for more of the same.

He said: "I've had a difficult week travelling back to Australia and playing in Australia, so physically I'm a little bit drained.

"I'm looking forward to getting away and hopefully getting some sunshine. All the boys are looking forward to it. I'm sure we'll have a great time.

"I think it's going to be good for team spirit, although the team spirit is fantastic here already.

"In previous years after we've gone away in a February break, we've tended to finish strongly, so hopefully the same will happen again."

Rovers' seven match unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end on Monday night at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal stretched their lead at the top of the table to five points with a 2-0 win.

But, with the club just five points off the hallowed European place, Emerton maintained a UEFA Cup spot was well within their grasp.

He added: "I think we've still got a real chance of finishing in the top six.

"We've got a good run of games coming up and there's every chance we can finish up there."