Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams has appealed to supporters to stun Salzburg and raise the roof during their European showdown.

Mark Hughes' men are one step away from advancing to the UEFA Cup's group stage as they host Red Bull Salzburg in the second leg of their first round tie next Thursday.

After bagging two crucial away goals in last week's 2-2 draw in Austria, Blackburn are favourites to progress and take their place in the next phase, which comprises eight groups of five clubs.

To help Rovers see off the challenge of Giovanni Trapattoni's men, Williams has called on supporters to turn out in force in a competition that, over the last few years, has attracted notoriously low attendance figures across the continent.

Last season, Middlesbrough saw gates of below 10,000 at the Riverside on their march to the UEFA Cup final, where they were beaten by Sevilla.

In their last UEFA Cup tie at Ewood Park, against Turkish side Genclerbirligi during the 2003/04 season, Rovers pulled in a crowd of just over 14,500.

With season ticket holders guaranteed free entrance against Salzburg, a gate of at least 13,000 is expected and Williams believes a reasonable pricing policy should encourage more supporters through the turnstiles.

"Historically, our attendances in Europe have been low," said Williams. "Fans always want us in Europe, but they don't always turn out in force.

"But it's basically a lifestyle choice. It's an extra game and fans cannot afford it. We know that.

"We have planned against that problem. Against Salzburg, it is free for season ticket holders, so that gives us a start of 13,000 for the game. Then we have made ticket prices reasonable.

"It would be tremendous if there was a big crowd and a good atmosphere. We want to be successful in Europe, it's one of the areas we are striving upon.

"We've a great chance of progressing with two away goals and, hopefully, we will get through.

"It's not certain that we will make the group stages. Drawing 2-2 in Salzburg is a result we would have taken but it was disappointing to concede a late equaliser. But we are in a promising position."

Rovers stand to cash in by advancing to the UEFA Cup's last 32, but Williams insists the club are chasing glory, not money.

Williams added: "There's nothing in it financially until you reach the last 32, after the group stages.

"It's essentialy then you make a bit of money, but it's limited compared to the Champions League.

"But for us it's not about money, it is about the prestige of playing in Europe. It's a great opportunity for us."