MIDFIELD general Garry Flitcroft today spoke of his burning desire to put 12 months of personal heartache behind him by leading Rovers back into the big time.

The former Manchester City star suffered more than most when his former club booked themselves a return ticket to the Premiership last May amidst joyous scenes at Ewood Park.

But, with Rovers now four points clear of third-placed Bolton going into the final week, Flitcroft knows he's within touching distance of exorcising those painful memories.

"It really hurt me when City went up on the final day of last season," said Flitcroft. "All the lads found that difficult to take but it was even harder for me with it being my former club.

"But we said at the time, hopefully, next season that'll be us.

"And we are desperate to see the job through now we've got this far.

"I think Bolton will slip up at some point in the last week, I just hope it's at Barnsley on Saturday so we can finish the job off on Sunday and give our fans something to cheer about.

"It would be brilliant to do it at Ewood, especially after what happened last season.

"But Portsmouth are going to be no mugs. They are desperate for points, too, and they gave us a tough game when we played them at their place earlier in the season.

"They seem to be looking a bit short of confidence at the moment whereas we are flying but it's up to us to press home the advantage now.

"We've worked our socks off to get into this position and we're determined not to let it slip out of our grasp."

Flitcroft's absence with a cartilage problem last season was a major factor in Rovers' failure to bounce straight back following relegation from the Premiership.

But, with his injury nightmare now firmly behind him, the tough-tackling 27-year-old is enjoying something of a renaissance after manager Graeme Souness took the decision to reinvent him.

And his partnership with David Dunn in the centre of midfield has been a pivotal part of Rovers' rise up the First Division table.

"I've played over 40 games this season which is a massive achievement for me considering the injury problems I've had," said Flitcroft.

"If anyone had said that to me at the start of the season I would have said they were having a laugh.

"But now I feel like I'm getting back towards my best and I'm really starting to enjoy my new role.

"At first, when the manager asked me to play a more defensive role, I felt I was losing something from my game because I've always considered myself a fairly energetic player who likes to get into the box.

"These days, I still get forward now and again but I get a lot more of the ball in my new position and I'm really enjoying that aspect of it."

Souness's decision to make Flitcroft his captain also seems to have brought the best out in a player who was born with natural leadership qualities.

And nothing would give him greater pride than to skipper the side back into the top flight after a painful two year absence.

"I've really loved the responsibility of being captain and it would be a fantastic achievement for me to lead the club back into the Premiership," said Flitcroft.

"That was our game in hand against Grimsby on Tuesday so we always knew it was going to be important to win it but for it to finish 4-1 was a real bonus for us."