JACK Walker admitted today that he was a worried man over Blackburn Rovers' failure to make a much bigger impression on the First Division.

And he is clearly anxious about the way in which Rovers have been unable to stop the rot which first set in more than 18 months ago.

But the Ewood owner is baffled as to what more he can do to bring success back to the club he transformed from also-rans into Premiership champions.

"Obviously I am concerned," he said.

"But I am not a magician.

"All I can say is that I have always done everything that has been asked of me.

"But I am not happy with the situation."

Mr Walker's unease did not extend to discussing the position of manager Brian Kidd, who is beginning to come under fire from various quarters.

But there is anxiety that Rovers could be facing a relegation battle instead of making the promotion push that everyone expected from them at the beginning of the season.

Tonight, they go to Walsall, a side tipped to be among the leading relegation candidates.

Yet, if Walsall win, they will go above Rovers in the table!

Kidd insists he is not feeling any undue pressure.

"I know the way I have gone about my job," he said. "My head is held high and my shoulders are back.

"I know it's my responsibility and the buck stops with me, make no mistake about that.

"That's fact but it doesn't stop me keep wanting to work hard and keep trying to get it right. I will continue to do that.

"I know the way we are trying to do it and I will continue to do it, day in, day out.

"Whatever it takes we are doing it and going through things with a fine toothcomb.

"And I am not looking for any excuses, because if you say something it can be taken wrongly."

Kidd knows that his team should have had more points from recent games when they have been in control for long periods.

But he said: "You don't hide from anything. You can't.

"We are not in a position to hide, we have to be men and face up to our responsibilities.

"There is no reason why this squad of players cannot go on a very good unbeaten run in my opinion.

"I keep going on about belief. I just wish they had my belief in them."

Kidd's team selection for tonight's crucial game could depend on whether he feels Jason McAteer is fit enough to start.

McAteer, out of first team action since the beginning of May with severe nerve damage, was used as a substitute at Maine Road on Saturday. He has been nursed back but Kidd might decide the time is right for him.

Rovers seem likely to choose from: Filan, Kenna, Short, Dailly, Davidson, Frandsen, Carsley, Wilcox, Duff, Ward, Jansen, Grayson, McAteer, Ostenstad, Taylor, Dunn, Kelly.

Walsall expect to have a full squad available, including strikers Mark Robins, Andy Rammell and loan man Samassi Abou who all missed the game at Ewood.

Manager Ray Graydon could well say "Same again" after his team unluckily lost to Ipswich in the last minute on Saturday, unless he intends to put out a more defensive side.

"It's a fantastic incentive for my players to think that, if they win the game, they can go above Blackburn," said Graydon.

"They'll be up for it."

Walsall are expected to choose from: Walker, Marsh, Roper, Viveash, Pointon, Wrack, Bukran, Keates, Matias, Rammell, Abou, Robins, Brissett, Barras, Ricketts, Keister.

Two Rovers youngsters have been called up by England for Thursday's Victory Shield (under-15s) international against Wales at Chester's Deva Stadium on Thursday.

Andrew Bell, from QEGS in Blackburn, and Ciaran Donnelly, who attends Warbeck HS, Blackpool, are both hoping for a repeat of the team's 2-1 win over Northern Ireland earlier this month. Ciaran scored in that victory.

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