Blackburn Rovers skipper Jason Wilcox began the build-up to the crucial Premiership game against Nottingham Forest today with a plea for togetherness and a message to team-mates and fans - Let's do it for Jack Walker and the town.

Wilcox, Rovers' longest-serving player and a proud wearer of the captain's armband, believes the club's supporters will have a vital role to play in Saturday's Ewood showdown against a Forest side who have already been relegated.

And he called on them to turn the penultimate home game into a blue and white carnival of colour and noise.

It is one of the most important games the club have staged in years, with Premiership survival at stake, and, as far as the players are concerned, it should be payback time from them to Mr Walker.

He has poured millions into the club, helping turn Rovers into champions just four short years ago. Now they face what would, at one time, have been unthinkable - relegation to the Nationwide League.

But Wilcox hopes a show of unity can signal a step forward to safety.

"Jack Walker has done so much for so many of us. His involvement with Blackburn has certainly made my career better," said the Ewood captain.

"For he has helped the club attract top players and managers.

"It would be great to do it for Mr Walker and the town of Blackburn.

"Whatever happens on Saturday, we would not be doomed but there is no doubting the size of the Forest game.

"And the fans can play such a major part. "There has always been a great feeling of togetherness between Blackburn Rovers and its supporters.

"No-one needs to illustrate just how big a game it is and it's important we have the crowd with us, as they have been all season.

"We know they have been through a lot this season, just like us, and we are as disappointed as they are. But we must hide that disappointment on Saturday and go into it together.

"It would be great if they could create a carnival atmosphere, not just at three o'clock but even leading up to the game.

"We know we are going to get a fantastic occasion and atmosphere against Manchester United next Wednesday.

"Let's do the same for the Forest match.

"It would be great to do it for Mr Walker and the town of Blackburn. He's been brilliant with us and helped so many people."

The last thing Rovers want is to go into next Wednesday's game against title-contenders Manchester United on a downer.

Their biggest chance of taking something from Alex Ferguson's treble-chasing team is to be on a high after a good result against Forest.

Next Wednesday represents Rovers' game in hand of their rivals in the relegation struggle and, in that respect, takes on even more significance. At the moment, it looks as though the race to beat the drop will go to the very last match of the season, when Rovers visit Newcastle and both Southampton and Charlton have home games.

They will want to avoid that if at all possible but beggars can't be choosers.

Time is running out and Rovers know it is now or never to start winning again. After Saturday, matters could drift out of their own hands.

There are still seats available for the Forest match and, with few visiting fans expected, Rovers are hoping their own supporters will fill the home sections to create a cup-final atmosphere.

Junior Rovers are having an end of season disco tomorrow at Strikers when they will present their Player of the Year Award.

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