STRIKER Luke Varney believes Blackburn Rovers can lay down a marker by beating Cardiff City in tonight’s hotly anticipated first game of the Championship season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are title favourites with many of the bookies.

But Rovers, including Bluebirds old boys Craig Conway and Rudy Gestede, are determined to claim their scalp in the big live Sky Sports showdown at Ewood Park.

And Varney, who is hoping to be fit after he picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Sunday, said: “It will show us where we’re at as I’m sure Cardiff will be up there.

“If we can put on a good performance against them and if we can beat them it will put a marker down for the season.

“We’ve got some Cardiff old boys in Craig and Rudy and I’m sure they’ll want to do well, as we all will.

“Hopefully we’ll get a positive outcome and really kick on from there.”

Rovers are urging supporters to wear home shirts old and new tonight as the Football League has called on its clubs to create a ‘Wall of Colour’ for their respective season openers.

Bowyer has thrown his weight behind the idea.

But he has also called on Rovers fans to show the same ‘phenomenal’ support he has received throughout his time in the Ewood hotseat.

Bowyer said: “The support I have been given personally has been phenomenal.

“The fans have a massive part to play. There were times last season when they roared us on and we’re going to need them again this season.”