BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Garry Flitcroft today reaffirmed his commitment to the club ahead of Sunday's crucial clash against his old club Manchester City.

The tough-tackling 27-year-old has been touted as a possible transfer target for the Maine Road club should they win promotion back to the Premiership this summer.

But the former England Under 21 international has revealed he wants to stay at Ewood and help make Rovers a major force again -- even though that means another season in the First Division.

"When I was injured the club signed me up on a five and a half year contract so they've been loyal to me and I want to be loyal to them," said Flitcroft.

"I don't think there's enough of that in football these days.

"Players move on too easily.

"But we've got a manager here who really wants to go places and I want to be a part of that."

Flitcroft still retains a lot of affection for City, having started his career at Maine Road.

But he is totally focused on the task of helping Rovers finish the season with a bang -- even if it means denying his old club promotion.

"It's unbelievable how things have worked out with it being my old team," said Flitcroft.

"I've had a feeling over the last few games that it was going to come down to this. "It's one I'm looking forward to because I've not played against them since I left. There will be loads of City fans there and they do get behind their team.

"But that will make our fans get behind us as well.

"They certainly won't relish coming here because we'll give them a good run for their money.

"We've had a desperately disappointing season so it's important we finish the season on a high because we have got to show the fans we mean business next year."

Flitcroft has only just returned to the Rovers starting line-up after a 14 month injury nightmare.

And, though he is still finding his feet in terms of match fitness, he is looking forward to playing a full part in Rovers' promotion challenge next season.

"I just want to come back fighting fit next season," said Flitcroft.

"I was out for 14 months but when I came back I felt quite good and thought I would be back to full fitness within a month.

"Maybe that was a bit ambitious looking back because my match sharpness and awareness is still missing.

"But when you have been out for so long that is to be expected.

"I've worked hard since I got back into the team, though, and every game is a bonus to me at the moment."

Manager Graeme Souness has also reiterated the importance of Sunday's fixture, even though Rovers have nothing to play for. Flitcroft's midfield colleague David Dunn came through training yesterday and should be in contention for a return to action on Sunday.

Meanwhile, former Rovers boss Brian Kidd has quashed rumours linking him with a move to Swindon as assistant to Colin Todd.

Todd was unveiled as Town's new manager today but Kidd will not be joining him as he is still waiting to reach a settlement with Rovers.

"I don't want to sound disrespectful to Swindon Town but that job is not for me at the moment," said Kidd.

"I have had one or two interesting offers but I cannot work for anyone until my settlement with Blackburn is agreed."