By Andy Sims, PA Sport
FA Cup legend Mark Hughes has set his sights on gracing Wembley yet again as Blackburn await the draw for the fifth round of this season's competition.
Hughes, who as a swashbuckling centre-forward lifted the famous trophy four times - three for Manchester United and once with Chelsea - is now aiming to join the likes of Terry Venables, George Graham and Kenny Dalglish in winning the cup as a player and a manager.
Blackburn's progress so far has been serene, with a 4-1 third-round victory at Everton followed up by Saturday's 4-0 demolition of lowly Luton.
With last year's finalists Liverpool and West Ham among a host of Barclays Premiership clubs to have already fallen by the wade, the draw may just be opening up for Rovers.
And few FA Cup aficionados would begrudge a man synonymous with the old Twin Towers as a player the chance to become the first manager to lead a team out at the new Wembley Stadium in May.
"We've shown already we can have an effect on the competition this season," said the Welshman.
"We've come through two rounds - two difficult games away from home - and we've got the job done quite effectively, scoring eight goals and only conceding one.
"It's all about the draw and who you are up against, but I think this year with all the teams who are already out we may have a chance to progress to the latter stages if we can avoid the big guns.
"There's a real prize at the end of it this year. It's at the new Wembley and Her Majesty the Queen is presenting the trophy so it's going to be quite an occasion and one that we would love to be a part of. But there is a long way to go yet."
Red-hot rookie Matt Derbyshire was the star of the show at Kenilworth Road as injury-hit Luton were taken apart.
The 20-year-old grabbed a brace on only his third start for the club, and also turned provider for Benni McCarthy before Morten Gamst Pedersen put the seal on a comprehensive win with a superb left-foot strike for the fourth.
Derbyshire, a Rovers fan who initially worked in the club's community office before signing as a player, celebrated landing a new long-term contract this week by taking his tally to five goals in his last six appearances.
"It was brilliant for me and for the team," he said. "Things are going well and hopefully they continue to do so.
"I think we're due a home tie in the next round, we've been away for quite a few games so it would be good to go back home."
The victory provided Hughes with a timely boost following a miserable week which saw Andre Ooijer and Robbie Savage suffer broken legs.
To rub salt into the Hatters' wounds, Hughes claimed their local rivals played a role in their comprehensive defeat.
"In fairness to Luton the worst result for them was us losing to Watford in midweek," said Hughes.
"We weren't prepared to play like that again and we put in a thoroughly professional performance.
"Matt and Benni played well together and it was a great finish from Morten, who is looking like the player of last season again."
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Hughes aiming for FA Cup trophy
Man Utd through into the fifth round FA Cup with Rooney's great goal
Wayne Rooney kept his FA Cup dream alive with a superb brace to secure Manchester United's passage into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The England striker stepped off the bench switching Ole Gunnar Solsjaers to score in the 76th and 83rd minutes in the 2-1 victory against Portsmouth.
The first goal came from close range after a cross from Ryan Giggs.
The second goal was exquisite, a 20-yard chip that floated into the top of the net to seal the victory.
Kanu pulled a goal back for Portsmouth when he deflected in a Pedro Mendes shot - but the visitors ran out of time in their bid to force a replay.
The day belonged to Rooney, who has now scored three goals in two games after ending a barren spell by finding the target in the defeat by Arsenal at the weekend.
The 21-year-old England striker said: "The FA Cup is massive as far as I'm concerned.
"It's the one tournament I always looked at as a boy. I dreamt of playing in it and winning it.
"We went really close two years ago but lost to Arsenal on penalties. Hopefully I can get my hands on it this year."
Rooney admitted it had not been plain sailing against Portsmouth.
He said: "I am delighted with the win and glad we do not have to face them in a replay.
"Portsmouth kept going until the end and it was a nervous last five minutes.
"We needed to show a good response from last week and I am thrilled we managed to get the victory to keep progressing in the FA Cup."
On his goals, he said: "In a way I am more pleased with the first one than the second as I need to score easier ones.
"I'm pleased it's three in two games and I hope that will continue.
"I was looking for a pass but I couldn't see one so I tried a chip and fortunately it went in."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised Rooney for his contribution, especially his second goal.
"It was one of imagination and audacity," said the Old Trafford boss.
"Wayne brightened up the place when he came on.
"If he gets a scoring run like he did last season it will make some difference to us."
United twice had "goals" disallowed - Nemanja Vidic's header appeared to cross the line before it was cleared by Mendes, while a superb volley from Henrik Larsson found the net only for an offside flag to make sure it did not count.
However United got their rewards and Ferguson said: "We kept the pace and tempo when Portsmouth started to tire.
"I always thought we were in control of the game and in the second half we got into top gear.
"With the experience Portsmouth had in the team it was never going to be easy.
"But I'm pleased we're through to the next round and a home draw is all you can hope for."
Cristiano Ronaldo will come into contention against Watford on Wednesday after being given a break while Louis Saha could also come into contention after sitting out today's game because of a slight knee problem.
Portsmouth coach Joe Jordan, a former United striker, admitted Rooney had been the difference between the two teams.
He said: "Rooney scored both goals and he is a quality player, we can all see that.
"The second goal was exceptional in the manner it was taken but also vital to Manchester United in that it killed the game.
"At 1-0 we were still in the match but that goal put the tie beyond us.
"We were pretty comfortable up until the first goal but I can't fault the players for their attitude. We put a lot of work in."
