MARK Hughes reckons his Blackburn Rovers players have no need to fear anyone in Europe after they booked a place in the group stages of the UEFA Cup last night.

On an historic night at Ewood Park, Rovers won a meaningful game in Europe for the first time ever after goals from Benni McCarthy and David Bentley secured a fabulous 4-2 aggregate win over Red Bull Salzburg.

Thrilled by his side's performance, Hughes purred: "I'm absolutely delighted. I thought we were excellent from start to finish tonight.

"We controlled the tempo of the game, we dictated the play, and in the end, I was disappointed in the opposition. They couldn't get anywhere near us.

"The way we shifted the ball, and the accuracy of our passing was too much for them, and this is a side that has beaten Valencia this season.

"I think that shows how good our performance was, and the quality of our goals were excellent.

"The only danger at half-time was we felt we might have overindulged because it was a little bit too comfortable.

"That was the fear I had but, in fairness to the players, I thought they were absolutely spot on professionally and got the job done."

After banking two priceless goals in the away leg a fortnight ago, Rovers started last night's second leg as the favourites to go through, and they go off to the dream start when McCarthy fired them into a 32nd minute lead.

Bentley then brought the house down with a wonder strike early in the second half that confirmed Rovers' place in the next phase.

"The first goal settled us down," said Hughes.

"It was a great turn by Benni, there was good power in the shot, but their keeper might be a little bit disappointed that the ball went in the near post.

"We're not particularly bothered about that, though.

"Then the second goal was a fabulous strike by David. We haven't seen a goal that good this season, so it will take a lot of beating.

"I thought some of our build up play was excellent.

"If we get people with the ability we have in the right areas then anything can happen, as David proved."

Salzburg boss Giovanni Trapattoni was gracious in defeat, admitting the best team won over the course of the two legs.

And he even suggested Rovers had the quality to go all the way in the competition.

"I congratulated Mark Hughes and told him to go on and win the UEFA Cup," said the legendary Italian.

"The UEFA Cup is a very strong tournament, there are a lot of strong teams in it, but Blackburn have a good, open attitude and if they continue playing as they do then they've got a very good chance of going all the way to the final."

Reflecting on his side's chances, Hughes added: "We'll see who we get in the draw, but I don't think we need to fear anyone.

"I think we're going to enjoy this experience and become a better team because of it.

"We haven't exactly covered ourselves in glory as a club in Europe in years gone by, but we've made it a real priority this season that we want to get into the group stages and hopefully progress.

"I think that showed in our play and I hope we're going to have more European nights like this."