AN INCREDIBLE derby statistic has sent shivers down Mark Hughes spine.

In the 17 meetings between Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers since the Millennium, the home team has only won once.

"I probably shouldn't be saying that," mused Rovers manager Hughes, bearing in mind he hosts Gary Megson's men at Ewood Park tomorrow.

Fortunately, it was Rovers who interrupted that run, back in March 2001 when a goal from Garry Flitcroft and a Craig Hignett brace earned a 3-0 FA Cup fifth round replay win.

But the proverbial bragging rights aren't the only reason to buck the trend.

Although Rovers hope to reap the benefits of using their free week to conduct a training camp in Orlando, Florida, seeing Bolton make great strides in the UEFA Cup away to Atletico Madrid the night after their return prompted pangs of jealousy.

"We've had two seasons of European football. The first season was very good, this year was not so good. You look on with envious eyes in fairness," admitted Hughes.

"If we had overcome that fixture against Larissa, which we should have done, we would possibly be in the same situation as other English clubs at this stage.

"It wasn't our year this year, but hopefully what happened will make us more determined next season.

"The ambition to get into Europe is there every year, and that doesn't diminsh."

But Rovers, who qualified for this season's UEFA Cup via a summer of Intertoto Cup action, have increased competition this term.

"There are a number of clubs in there. The things that's maybe changed a little bit this year is the fact that a lot of clubs who have viewed the Intertoto with a little bit if disdain have decided that it's quite a decent route to get into Europe, which we obviously realised ourselves last year," Hughes explained.

"Some clubs didn't bother to apply to go into it but that seems to have changed. I think a number of clubs in and around us have sent their applications in, like we have, so it will be more difficult this year.

"But hopefully we won't have to go through that route and we can win one of the places outright. But we'll have to see what the result of the cup final tomorrow brings us because that could make it even more difficult."

While Hughes, on the one hand, would perhaps love to trade places with tomorrow's opponents, Everton or Spurs, after all enjoyed European success on Thursday night, he remains fully aware of the pitfalls.

"Bolton will be on a high because they've been able to negotiate a really difficult tie, and congratulations to them," he said.

"But we know from our experience last year, playing Thursday and performing at a decent level at Premier League level is very difficult, and it's up to us to try to exploit any deficiencies that Bolton might have. But it can work both ways.

"Physically and mentally it can be draining."

Rovers, on the other hand, have had almost a fortnight's break from the rigours of competitive games.

How beneficial has the break been? That's something Hughes admits he will only be able to answer at around 5pm tomorrow.

But on past evidence he is hopeful their February getaway will spur them on for a strong finish.

"When we've done it in the past it has helped us," he said.

"It's a long, hard season and coming to the same environment day in, day out, sometimes it's a help to take everyone away, recharge the batteries and come back refreshed.

"Historically we've come back from these trips and go on decent runs and hopefully it's going to be the same again."

David Dunn, Chris Samba and Morten Gamst Pedersen, who were suspended for the last game at Arsenal, which ended a run of eight games unbeaten, are all available for the visit of Bolton tomorrow.

Although Andre Ooijer and Ryan Nelsen were involved in the trip to Orlando they are likely to be ruled out with hamstring injuries.

But Hughes feels Rovers have enough in their armour to be able to begin another unbeaten spell.

"With 12 games left, we've about two more phases of games to go," Hughes said. "We've got our targets for those phases and we're not a million miles away from where we hoped to be at this stage of the season. We've just got to kick on now and get the key results that we need during those periods.

"We've got to try to make sure our home form is good because at times we've slipped up."

He added: "They are always tight games (against Bolton). There are never that many goals involved and invariably it's usually the away team that wins. I shouldn't really be saying that but in something like 30-odd games Blackburn and Bolton have been involved in I don't think the home team has won.

"They've had a difficult time and they're still not assured of Premier League safety.

"They've sold one of their prized assets but they've used their money well and spent it on good Premiership players who will help them.

"I don't look on them being in trouble come the end of the year."