CRAIG Short has tipped David Dunn to play another game-changing role in an East Lancashire derby – providing he is fit.

That is the verdict of Blackburn Rovers first-team coach Short ahead of tomorrow’s eagerly anticipated clash with the Clarets at Ewood Park.

Dunn has scored three goals in his last three appearances against Burnley but he missed last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers with a knock.

“Dunny has got that bit of magic,” said Short, who appeared alongside the midfielder during his playing days at Rovers.

“When I first came here I thought he was going to be the next Paul Gascoigne. You see a lot of good midfielders who are good on the ball and can pass it but he was – and is – able to go past people.

 “You saw it at home to Bolton at the start of the season with that wonderful goal he scored and you saw it more recently at home to Blackpool when he cut inside.

“He’s always been able to do that, take people out of the game like Gascoigne could. There are not many of those type of players around anymore.

“All right, now he doesn’t have the legs and the position he plays just behind the forward suits him.

“But if he is fit there is no doubt, given his roots and given where he comes from, if it is a tight game he could be the man to change it.

“Any team who play against us is always fearful of David as he picks up those pockets of space and he can provide assists and score goals.”