MARK Hughes has admitted that one of his greatest footballing regrets was failing to score in front of Liverpool's famous Kop.

During an illustrious playing career, the Blackburn manager enjoyed many bruising encounters at Anfield, most notably in Manchester United colours, but also for Chelsea, Southampton and Rovers.

But while Hughes managed to score at the home of the Reds, he never burst the net at the Kop.

"I used to like playing at Anfield," he said, ahead of Rovers' trip to Merseyside tomorrow.

"But one regret of mine is that I never had the pleasure of scoring in front of the Kop.

"I've always had a bit of banter with the Liverpool supporters - I became quite used to that during my career.

"But whenever I've gone back, as an ex-player or manager, I've always been made very welcome, as I also have at Everton.

"It's a city where the fans' knowledge of football is second to none. If you play good football, they always show their appreciation."

Liverpool's legendary Kop has long been regarded as the club's 12th man - the noise generated from the stand helping spur the Reds on during big games.

And that was never more evident than on Tuesday night, as late goals in front of the Kop from Steven Gerrard and Ryan Babel saw Rafa Benitez's men beat Arsenal 4-2 in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The dramatic all-British affair ranks as one of the best games of the season and, following their exertions, Reds manager Benitez may now rest several of his stars for the visit of Rovers.

"It was a fantastic game, one of those games that will stand out in the memory," said Hughes. "It was a great advert for European and Premier League football.

"An extra day will possibily help Liverpool, but it's difficult to gauge whether their performance or result - and their exertions - will be a good or bad thing for us.

"I would suggest Rafa Benitez would make a number of changes from the other night. That's usually the norm.

"It makes it that little bit more difficult to prepare, because you never know who you will be facing.

"But you know that whoever they pick, it will be good quality. It's a difficult game for us - it always is at Anfield."

After tomorrow's game at Anfield, Rovers face Premier League leaders Manchester United at Ewood Park, and Hughes believes his side must pick up points from both games to maintain their push for Europe.

He added: "We've got a couple of games - Liverpool and Manchester United - where our players won't need any extra motivation.

"There will be no apprehension on our part.

"At the moment, we are looking to realise our ambition with European qualification. For us, there is a lot riding on these two games."