MARK Hughes hopes Blackburn Rovers can rekindle the magic of 2002 after they launched their Carling Cup campaign with a crushing 3-0 win over Birmingham City.

Hughes was one of the heroes when Rovers last won the League Cup at the Millennium Stadium five years ago, and he revealed footage of that epic victory over Tottenham Hotspur helped inspire his players last night.

Three second half goals from David Bentley, Matt Derbyshire and Roque Santa Cruz put the seal on a satisfying night's work for Rovers.

And Hughes believes it could prove to be the start of a run that could take his side all the way to the final at Wembley.

"Before the game, I was watching the League Cup final victory from five years ago on the big screen, and telling everyone what a good game I had," quipped Hughes.

"It was a great time and we want to be winning trophies again at this club.

"We've got to three semi-finals in three years, and it would be nice to go one better this time."

Hughes made five changes from the side that lost to Portsmouth on Sunday but still managed to come up with the winning formula last night, as Rovers encountered few problems in brushing aside a weakened Birmingham outfit.

"I made changes this evening but I had total confidence in the side I put out," said the Rovers boss.

"I picked a team I felt could win this game and that was borne out by the result.

"We tried a few different things in the game and I was pleased that they seemed to come off for us.

"Maybe we've got another string to our bow now.

"I always felt we had a goal in us. We created a lot of chances and got into a lot of dangerous areas.

"We waited a bit longer than we hoped to get the first goal, but I always felt the tie was ours.

"If we'd have got an early goal then it would have been much better.

"But I was generally delighted with the way we played so, all in all, it was a very satisfactory night's work."

Hughes was particularly delighted with the contribution of striker Matt Derbyshire, who seized the chance to impress after being recalled to the starting eleven.

Derbyshire recently discovered his girlfriend is expecting twins and he celebrated with a goal in front of the Blackburn End, which prompted a baby-cradling gesture to the fans.

Hughes added: "I believe his young lady is expecting twins so that's what his celebration was all about.

"I was pleased for Matt because he went close a few times and he will always give you a threat in front of goal."