BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes has admitted he would love to sign Robbie Savage.

Hughes has been strongly linked with a swoop for the fiery Birmingham star, who was an integral part of the Wales set-up during his reign as manager.

But although the Blackburn boss is a huge admirer of the 30-year-old, he's conceded there's little chance of luring him to Rovers during the January transfer window.

"Robbie is a player I feel every club manager would look at and think he could do a job for me," said Hughes, whose side face Savage and Birmingham at Ewood tomorrow.

"But Steve (Bruce) has come out and said he's not for sale."

Savage's passion and commitment would make him an attractive proposition for Rovers if he ever indicated he was ready to call time on his Birmingham career.

In the meantime, however, Hughes and his players must find a way of keeping City's roving midfielder in check tomorrow in a game that both sides need to win to ease the pressure at the bottom of the Premiership.

Savage is the heartbeat of the Birmingham team and Rovers know if they stop him then they stand a great chance of recording a second home win of the season.

"He's a high energy player who drags his team-mates along with him," said Hughes, who has denied ever making a formal approach for Savage.

"He's done that for Wales and he continues to do that for Birmingham.

"He's a decent player that opposing fans love to hate but the home fans love him because he's wholehearted and very effective at what he does."

A home win in front of the Sky cameras would act as a major confidence boost for Rovers, who go into the game on the back of a three-match unbeaten run.

Successive draws against Liverpool, Norwich and Manchester City have helped to arrest the early season slump that saw Hughes's side sink to the foot of the Premiership.

The manager will make late checks on the fitness of Jonathan Stead, Paul Dickov and Barry Ferguson before naming his side.