JASON Roberts admits playing for Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes is an inspiration.

The 28-year-old striker linked up with Hughes after completing a £2.25million move from Premiership rivals Wigan Athletic.

And the Grenadan international - who described his Ewood Park four-year deal switch as a dream come true' - is revelling at the prospect of working with the former Wales boss as he attempts to land top honours at Rovers.

"What he's (Hughes) done in the game is as much as you can be able to do in football," said Roberts.

"It's inspiring to have someone like that around and being able to talk you through certain things.

"For someone like myself, it's inspiring to work with someone like that and his coaching staff. I'm really looking forward. From what I got from it (training), it was really enjoyable and I took a lot from it."

Hughes was quick to snap up Roberts and strengthen his strike-force following Craig Bellamy's big-money departure to Liverpool.

And while Bellamy was a key figure in leading Blackburn to sixth place last season and a spot in the UEFA Cup, Roberts does not see himself as having to step into the shoes of the Welsh forward.

"I don't see it that way," said Roberts.

"I think what Blackburn achieved was a collective and I don't see it as Jason Roberts coming in to replace Craig Bellamy.

"Craig Bellamy is a fanastic footballer and he did well for the club. But I think the collective has to be stronger and if I can add something to that I'll be happy."

Roberts, whose 14 league goals took Wigan to 10th in the Premiership last season, admits the chance to test himself in Europe was a major factor in joining Rovers instead of Charlton and Turkish side Besiktas.

As Hughes looks to make greater strides next year Roberts believes Champions League qualification is a natural aim.

He added: "I don't want to set any targets, but we want to progress as a football club and I want to progress as a footballer. If that's the next step for us, that is something we must aim for.

"Whether we can achieve it, time will tell. But we have to believe in ourselves and take the next step.

"You look at what they achieved last year to finish just outside the top five. What more can Blackburn do?

"But that is the exciting thing about it. Maybe there is lots more for us to achieve.

"Now, with the UEFA Cup and two cups to go for next year, we'll be firing on all cylinders for everything."