Blackburn can make the Champions League in four years, says Steve Kean

Steve Kean reckons he can get ­Blackburn into the ­Champions League within four years.

Rovers’ wealthy Indian owners have set high targets despite Kean not being given much transfer cash since taking over.

There was also a lot of scepticism when Venky’s demanded Champions League football after taking over at Ewood Park last season.

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But Kean insisted: “Trying to deliver European football in three or four years for this club is achievable. We’re not going to say we’ll get it next year.

“If we can get a foothold in the top half of the season, that’s the goal.

“We’ll be spending. We’ve got a very good budget and we’re looking to recruit and strengthen in areas where we’ve seen we have to improve from last season.

“To jump from where we were last season to the top four would be unrealistic, but the first building block will be the top half. We’re positive we can do that.”

Kean, whose side take on Aston Villa today in the Premier League Asia Trophy, also insisted that he will fight to keep Arsenal target defender Chris Samba.

The Rovers boss added: “We’re confident we’ll add to the squad.

“If we can fight off interest in players like Samba, we’re confident we can have a good season.”