NEW Blackburn skipper Garry Flitcroft today issued an emotional plea as Rovers launched their First Division promotion bid: 'Let's do it for Jack!'

As Graeme Souness's troops prepared to face Crystal Palace this afternoon, Jack Walker was expected to be absent from his usual seat at Ewood as he continues his battle against cancer.

But Flitcroft insists Rovers' number one fan won't be far from the players thoughts on what is sure to be a poignant day.

And he believes Mr Walker's health problems have merely strengthened their determination to win promotion back to the Premier League at the second attempt.

"It's a great blow not to have Jack around on matchday because he's done well for all of us," said Flitcroft.

"We've not really heard anything about how he's doing.

"We thought he was going to be on the pre-season picture but he never came on.

"And that's the first time he's missed it in the four years I've been here.

"But all the lads just hope he gets better really soon.

"And we desperately want to get up this season because that might help to perk him up a bit."

Club owner Mr Walker usually goes into the dressing room before every home game to wish the team good luck.

And Flitcroft admitted he would be sorely missed at kick-off time today.

"I think there'll be a poignant moment before the game.

"That's when I'll miss him and I know the other lads will to.

"But the only thing we can do is get up for it and do the business for him out on the pitch."