FORMER Blackburn Rovers favourite David Dunn today hit back at reports that his career could be over.

A story in one of the Sunday tabloids claimed Dunn may have to retire due to the persistent hamstring injuries that have dogged him during the last 18 months.

But the Birmingham City midfielder, who could return to Ewood for the first time since his £5.5 million move to the Midlands on Sunday, has vowed to prove he has the mental strength to overcome his fitness problems.

Dunn's career with the Blues has so far been blighted by a catalogue of injuries.

Over the last two seasons, the 24-year-old has torn his hamstring on three separate occasions, the last being in pre-season.

Birmingham's medical staff have tried everything in an effort to get to the root of the problem, including sending Dunn for specialist treatment abroad.

Now they have reached the conclusion that Dunn may require surgery to his back in the close season, which could keep him out for a further six months.

But Dunn is gobsmacked by reports suggesting he's heading for football's scrapheap.

"I was a bit surprised when I was told about what had been written and all the stuff people then started to say," said Dunn, who is hoping to be on the bench on Sunday.

"Obviously, it's not the nicest thing, but I wasn't that bothered because I knew it wasn't true.

"I've been to a specialist and everything seems to be fine. In fact, I'm more positive now than I ever have been because he's identified that it's all to do with my back.

"In the past, we were never quite sure why my hamstrings would keep tearing.

"If they do go again, then there is an operation I can have. The only thing is that it wouldn't keep me out for weeks, but six months.

"In saying that, at least I know why things have been like they have and, if it was necessary, surgery could cure it for once and all."

Dunn's current course of treatment includes a series of injections to the lumbar region that stop the nerves which affect his hamstring 'misfiring'. But he would gladly start against former club Rovers on Sunday, even though he's been absent for four weeks nursing an Achilles tendon injury.

Bruce would dearly love to have Dunn back in his plans again because the midfielder possesses the kind of ability that can turn a game in the Blues' favour.

And such responsibility sits easily with the one-time England ace: "It's nice that the manager thinks of me that way.

"Trying to create and do something perhaps a bit different is what my game is all about.

"He encourages me to do what comes naturally, to try and do some damage.

"I don't feel any pressure, not at all. I'm a footballer, I'm paid to do my job and I relish it when I'm out there. It's when you're not playing that it does your head in."

As for Sunday's game, both sides are in need of a lift as they attempt to haul themselves out of trouble at the foot of the Premiership.

Rovers appear to have turned the corner after going three games unbeaten but manager Mark Hughes now wants to turn those draws into wins.

Birmingham, meanwhile, have grossly underachieved so far this season considering the money they spent on new faces in the summer but Dunn believes their luck is about to change.

"If you look around our squad, we've got some very good players and I feel confident that we can get on a run.

"It won't take much to turn it around. The season's still early."