DAVID Dunn is hoping to force his way back into the England Under 21 squad ahead of the European Championship Finals with a star performance against Manchester City tomorrow.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been a revelation for Rovers since manager Graeme Souness recalled him to the first team two months ago.

And, as Rovers prepare to end the season in style, Dunn knows it's his last chance to put himself in contention ahead of the summer.

Dunn's energy was sorely missed last Saturday as a hamstring strain forced him out of the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

But he returned to training earlier this week and he is desperate for Souness to give him the nod.

"I've trained over the last few days so, hopefully, I will be in contention for a place," said Dunn.

"And if I was to play well then that can definitely help me England-wise.

"There will be a few people watching and it's on Sky so if I turn out a decent performance then it might just give people a timely nudge."

It's a year since Dunn won his one and only Under 21 cap so far.

But he was recently put on stand-by for England's crucial qualifier against Yugoslavia in Barcelona.

And he is clearly in manager Howard Wilkinson's thoughts.

"I've got the fixtures and I know when the games are so it's just a case of wait and see," said Dunn.

"The under 21 squad will not be picked until after the full one so I will just have to see who gets a full England call first, then, if there's any injuries or anything, I might have a chance.

"I've been playing alright for Blackburn and I know a few people have been watching me. But I've just got to get on with it and the main thing is to keep playing well for Rovers then if anything else comes along that's a bonus."

City need just a point tomorrow to guarantee promotion to the Premiership.

But Dunn and his Rovers team-mates are desperate to go out on a high note at the end of a season of bitter disappointment.

And, after watching Charlton stage a promotion party at Ewood recently, they are determind to avoid a repeat.

"I don't want to see another one of those where everyone is down because we are not there," said Dunn.

"When you see people celebrating and partying, especially all the visiting fans, it's not nice.

"City weren't even up last week but they still celebrated.

"So we are definitely going to be up for it and, hopefully, we can surprise a few people."

That point was reiterated by manager Graeme Souness.

"It's not a nice feeling what happened after the Charlton game.

"It's like being at somebody elses' party and not being invited and I hadn't experienced that before and I don't want to experience it again."

Souness has injury doubts over Egil Ostenstad and Craig Short but both have been included in the squad.

Rovers are likely to choose from: Kelly, Harkness, Short, Dailly, Peacock, McAteer, Frandsen, Carsley, Flitcroft, Dunn, Duff, Jansen, Ward, Ostenstad, Gillespie, Grayson, Hamilton, Burgess, Filan.

City boss Joe Royle is contemplating springing a surprise up front by selecting Paul Dickov ahead of Robert Taylor.

Other than that, the Blues should be at full strength.

City from: Weaver, Edghill, Tiatto, Jobson, Prior, Whitley, Wiekens, Horlock, Kennedy, Goater, Taylor, Dickov, Pollock, Bishop, Granville, Grant, Wright-Phillips, Wright.

Meanwhile, chief executive John Williams today paid tribute to Rovers' loyal supporters after it was revealed the average home attendance this season has topped 19,000.

"Given the disappointing nature of the season it is a testament to the loyalty of our supporters that gates have held up," said Williams.

"Our fans have not always been happy and we fully understand that.

"But they have continued to show their support and you cannot ask for more than that.

"I believe their attendance demonstrates the significant underlying fan base that will see the club remain a significant force.

"There is every reason to believe that back in the Premiership we can look to 30,000 and upwards.

"This sends an important message to the Board, to Mr Walker and his advisers in a strategic sense.

"The level of support, together with Mr Walker's backing will ensure, on return to the Premiership -- and we hope that is only 12 months away -- we can quickly become competitive.

"There is every reason to be optimistic."

Rovervision are promising a goal feast ahead of tomorrow's clash with Manchester City.

All Rovers' goals this season will be shown on the big screen prior to kick-off and the action starts at 12pm.