DAVID Bentley has vowed to salvage Blackburn's European dream after being inspired by Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea.

Although Rovers lost to the defending Premier League champions in heartbreaking circumstances at Old Trafford, Bentley reckons the whole experience of being part of such a big occasion has provided everyone in the Blackburn dressing room with the inspiration they need to mount a grandstand finish to the season.

Only last week, manager Mark Hughes wrote off his side's European chances, claiming the gap between them and Portsmouth, who currently occupy seventh position, was too big to bridge during the run-in.

However, after Wednesday night's win over Watford lifted Rovers back into the top 10 and within six points of Pompey, with a game still in hand on their South Coast rivals, Hughes has since revised his target, insisting a UEFA Cup spot is still achievable, providing his players finish the season with a flourish.

And judging by his performance against Watford, when he laid on all three goals in the 3-1 win, Bentley appears to be in the mood to do just that.

Reflecting on the events at Old Trafford, and how it has helped to spur him on, Rovers' upbeat midfielder said: "I'm a young lad and I'm still learning my trade so to come across something like that was really special for me.

"It's really inspired me, and all my team-mates, to go out there in the final games of the season, put a really good effort in, and try to get in those European places.

"We've had a tough season, but we've just got to keep going."

Unceremoniously dumped out of the cup, Rovers could easily have allowed their season to peter out during the run-in, but, led by the outstanding Bentley, they quickly picked themselves up against Watford, effectively wrapping up the points inside the opening 32 minutes thanks to goals from Chris Samba, Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy.

Next up tomorrow are Fulham, another side deep in trouble near the foot of the Premiership, at Craven Cottage, and a win would leave Rovers handily placed to strike if any of the sides above them were to falter during the closing weeks.

"It will be another tough game against a team down at the bottom," said Bentley.

"Fulham have got a lot to play for and to go away from home, it's going to be difficult.

"But we've got to go out there with the right attitude and want to put on a performance and play good football. We are a really good team and we're expected to beat them."

If Rovers are to sneak into Europe then they need Bentley to keep producing the form he showed on Wednesday night, when he provided three assists.

But as well as being a provider of goals, the England hopeful would also like to start finding the net himself, too, having only scored once (against Bayer Leverkusen) in 2007.

He added: "I'd love a goal at the minute. I keep trying and I've had a few goes, but it's just not going in for me at the minute.

"Hopefully, it's going to come, but if it doesn't then I'll look to provide for the team instead."

l England Under 18s Schoolboys play Northern Ireland in the Centenary Shield at Ewood Park tonight (7pm kick off).

Tickets are priced £8 for adults, and £5 for concessions with discounts for groups.

A penalty shoot-out competition featuring four Lancashire schools will take place at half time.

For ticket information, contact Blackburn Rovers on 08701 123456.