Hughes happy to grab chance

Blackburn appoint Hughes

New Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has admitted the opportunity of club management at Ewood Park was too good to turn down.

Hughes has signed a three-year contract with Rovers, but will remain in charge of Wales for their next two games.

"I am delighted to be here," he said. "It was an opportunity I couldn't afford to let pass by.

Mark Bowen, who has been Hughes' assistant with Wales, will join him at Ewood Park.

Hughes added: "It was important at this stage of my career to make a move and this was the right time for me.

"It is a club I know, I know the people here. They had an indication of what I can offer as well, they have obviously seen my work.

"I made a lot of friends here and that maybe had an influence on the selection process."

I've no fears about the job Blackburn boss Mark Hughes

Hughes will stay in charge of the Welsh national side for their World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland on 9 and 13 October.

And he insists he will be able to combine the dual role for those two game before fully relinquishing his role as Wales manager.

"The Welsh games I'm all prepared for, everything's in place," said Hughes.

"In my time at Blackburn everything will be focused on the games in front of us. In international week, my focus will change."

MARK HUGHES PROFILE Born: 01/11/1963, Wrexham Playing career: Man Utd (1980-86), Barcelona (1986-88), Bayern Munich (loan, 1987-88), Man Utd (1988-95), Chelsea (1995-98), Southampton (1998-2000), Everton (2000), Blackburn (2000-2002). Wales (72 caps, 16 goals) Management career: Wales (1999-2005)

Despite not having any Premiership management experience, the 40-year-old former striker is confident he can make the transition from international to club football.

"I've no doubt that the day-to-day job of running the club will be different but I've no fears about it," he added.

"If people say, 'You haven't got club experience', then I'd agree, but if people say, 'You've no experience', I'd disagree.

"I've been in the game for 20 to 25 years and I've been a manager for five years.

"A lot of my experiences with the Welsh team will stand me in good stead."

Hughes confirmed that Wales assistant coach Bowen would be joining him in the same capacity at Blackburn.

"I'm delighted that Mark is going to join me," said Hughes.

"I'm looking to add to the backroom staff and hopefully in the next few days we'll have news on that."

Academy: Hughes on his transition from player to coach