COLIN Hendry admits Blackburn’s great escape mission at Griffin Park tomorrow is the biggest game since Rovers lifted the Premier League title in 1995.

“I can’t believe it is 22 years ago this month that Blackburn won the Premiership, but what happens at Brentford, for the future of Blackburn Rovers, is probably more important,” said Hendry.

“The game has the feel of a play-off final, there is so much at stake.

“The prize is Championship survival and Blackburn’s players have to rise to the occasion with hunger and desire because the club is the heart and soul of the town.”

Hendry, who enjoyed a fine playing career at Ewood Park over two spells from 1987-89 and 1991-98, added: “It is at the opposite end of the spectrum to what happened at Anfield when we won the title, but the pressure will be just as intense because there is so much riding on the result.”

Rovers kept their survival fight alive with a gutsy 1-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend – but their fate will be sealed one way or the other in West London tomorrow.

Rovers have to get a better result than both Nottingham Forest and Birmingham to stay in the Championship.

Forest host Ipswich Town and Harry Redknapp’s Blues face Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

“I still have a tremendous affinity with Blackburn Rovers, but it is so sad that it has come to this, trying to stave off relegation to League One,” said Hendry.

“Despite what has happened, there are still many great people at the club behind the scenes and they have a wonderful fan base.

“It is not just about the players, though, because relegation would mean massive changes and big repercussions for everybody working there.

“If that happens, then there will be so many questions about the future direction of the club.

“The owners must come up with a plan, and say to the manager we are going to give you the tools to do the job, spend a few bob and have a real go next season.

“A lot of big names have fallen into League One – Leeds United, Southampton, Leicester City, but Bolton have showed that you can come straight back and if the worst happens then Rovers must follow that model.”

Hendry added: “On the flip side, if Blackburn remain in the Championship they must make sure this never happens again. Tomorrow will all be about who wants it the most and don’t forget that there will be big pressure on Nottingham Forest too - their players will be nervous in front of a capacity crowd at the City Ground.

“It is very hard to call which way it will go but I hope and pray that Blackburn do it.”

He added: “Blackburn’s players just need to find the biggest display of their lives to try and keep this wonderful club in the Championship.”

ALAN Shearer echoed the thoughts of most Rovers fans last Saturday when he tweeted: “Great win today for Rovers. There’s still hope!”

The victory over Aston Villa at Ewood Park gave Rovers something to hold on to going in to survival Sunday at Brentford, a game which is being billed as the club’s biggest game in a generation.

And Shearer, who scored 130 goals in 171 games for Rovers, and was part of the side which won the Premiership title in 1995, has sent a message of support to Tony Mowbray’s side, via the Lancashire Telegraph, ahead of the trip to Griffin Park.

Shearer said: “We all want you to do it. Give it everything.

“Good luck lads. Come on Rovers!”

Colin Hendry will be a special guest at the Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, on October 25 when he will talk about his life and career at Rovers. Tickets, 01200 421599.