HENNING Berg is tipping his old club to finish in the top four of the Premiership and turn their dream of a European place into reality.

The former Blackburn Rovers star, now an essential part of Manchester United's treble-chasing squad, returned to Brockhall this week as part of Norway's build-up to the World Cup finals in summer.

And he had no hesitation in backing Roy Hodgson's side to stay the pace in the race for Europe.

As for the championship, Berg has warned his United team-mates that the chase is far from over.

"It was a bad result for Rovers at Derby but, having said that, I don't think Derby have lost at home this season so it was never going to be an easy game there," he said.

"But the way Rovers have played at home and away this season has been tremendous.

"That was only the third game they have lost.

"I think they have a very good chance to stay up there.

"Whether they will win it or not, I don't know. I don't know if we are going to win it.

"But I still think they are going to finish in the top four which would be tremendous for them."

United are everyone's tip to retain their title, but Berg errs on the side of caution.

"I don't know, it's way too early to say," he insisted.

"If Liverpool win their game in hand I think they are only six points behind.

"Chelsea are capable of getting a good run together, so are Rovers.

"So it's nowhere near finished yet. "When I was with Rovers, we had a big lead and it still went to the last day so there's no way we are going to think that we have won it already.

"There are going to be many, many hard games coming up between now and the end of the season and before we can say we might be champions."

Berg was only on the bench as United increased their lead at the weekend with a win over Spurs and he has found it difficult to come to terms with not being an automatic choice.

But he also thinks that, in the long run, such enforced breaks will be to his and Norway's advantage.

"It's strange, I am not used to it but you just have to accept it," he explained.

"I am not too disappointed because if I had the chance of playing all the games for United and then the World Cup, I think I would be shattered.

"It could be a bonus, because if I have a break now and don't play every game then I am not going to be too tired.

"It's a very long season and, obviously, with the World Cup at the end of it, it's going to be even harder.

"But I think Ferguson's doing Norway a favour!" A crucial clash in France will be the second group game against Scotland, with the prospect of coming face to face with former team-mate Kevin Gallacher.

"Interesting," he laughed. "It's going to be a hell of a battle that one. It's another Premier League clash.

"It will be a very British game and it could be the decider.

"Kevin's a very good player. He's done tremendously well this season and he's going to be hard to look after."

Rovers visit West Ham tonight in the FA Youth Cup third round and face a tough challenge if they are to make progress.

Manchester United were beaten in an Old Trafford replay by the young Rovers in the last round but West Ham are a highly-rated side.

"It will be a difficult game," said Rovers' youth boss Bobby Downes.

"I would have fancied us strongly if we had been at home but, whatever happens, it will be good experience for the boys."

Rovers reached the semi-finals last season before losing to another London club Crystal Palace.

They should be at full strength tonight and will choose from: Stewart, Richardson, Murphy, Scates, Taylor, Brown, McAvoy, Dunn, Woodfield, Hamilton, Forsyth, Topely, Ryan, Connolly, Richards, Bingham.

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