MARK Hughes was full of praise for his match-winners after Blackburn Rovers got off the mark with a 2-1 victory over Fulham.

Ewood Park witnessed a couple of wonder goals as Morten Gamst Pedersen and Tugay blasted the Londoners into orbit with stunning volleys.

Hughes was also pleased with the role Shefki Kuqi played as the spearhead of the 4-5-1 formation the Rovers manager reverted to in the absence of Paul Dickov and Craig Bellamy.

Their firepower wasn't missed, however, as Kuqi's magnificent cross was screamed in by Pedersen, then Tugay volleyed in directly from Pedersen's 70th minute corner for the winner.

But Hughes revealed that the Turkish veteran won't be guaranteed a starting place this season despite the brilliance that earned his team their first victory of the season.

Hughes, who is possibly the best striker of the volley ever to grace the English game, said: "The goals were outstanding and both guys involved showed fantastic technique to hit the ball as cleanly as they did.

"Morten has shown that he has a knack and an eye for a goal and Tugay has the ability to score great goals like that.

"Tugay is a very important player for us, but he has to understand that some games won't suit him this year because he is 35 years old. There are certain games against certain teams he won't play in.

"But today's game was made to measure for him and he showed everybody what he is capable of.

"Shefki chased every ball down and showed great commitment and great determination to be involved in the game.

"He's going to endear himself to the crowd because supporters want commitment when players have got the shirt on and Shefki will always give that."

Aside from the quality of goals, Hughes was also pleased that there was no repeat of the collapse against West Ham a week earlier, despite Brian McBride bringing Fulham level just four minutes into the second half.

He said: "It was in similar circumstances to last week, being caught cold with the conceding of an equaliser, but today we showed great resolve to get back in the game and I'm delighted with that because it was important that we showed what we're about.

"We had great support cheering us on and I really enjoyed it."

Kuqi, despite being disappointed at not getting on the scoresheet, was happy with his contribution to Pedersen's stunning opener.

He said: "It was a great cross because there was only one place to put the ball when I saw Pedersen coming in alongside me and it was a great finish by him.

"We scored two great goals and everyone is pleased, especially after the performance last week."