DAVID Dunn could be in a line for a recall against Sunderland for the first time since the club effectively put him up for sale.

Dunn has missed the last three games through injury after limping out of Rovers' Worthington Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester United with a torn calf muscle.

But after a fortnight of intensive treatment, he returned to full-time training earlier this week.

And now the England midfielder hopes to put himself firmly in contention for a return to action in the FA Cup by proving his fitness to manager Graeme Souness.

"I'm back in full training now and I've felt no reaction so far so if the manager wants me then I'm fit and ready to play," said Dunn.

"I found it really frustrating watching the Manchester United game from the stands the other night because I was dying to get out on the pitch and do my best for the team.

"So, hopefully, I can prove my fitness in time to be involved against Sunderland tomorrow because I'm desperate to play again after all the injury problems I've had over the last couple of months."

Rovers are still reeling from the disappointment of Wednesday's night semi-final exit at the hands of United.

But Dunn believes the best way of getting that out of the system would be to book a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

"Everyone was hugely disappointed by Wednesday night's result but that's history now and we've got to look forward," said Dunn.

"If anything, that will make us even more determined to beat Sunderland tomorrow because we're desperate to make up for it.

"We've all had a taste of Cardiff and the Worthington Cup final last season was a brilliant experience.

"So we'd love to get back there again at some point and to do it in the FA Cup would be even better.

"But there's a long way to go before we can start thinking about that.

"I know Sunderland are deep in trouble in the Premiership but their players might look on tomorrow's game as a welcome relief from the pressure they've been under so they'll come to Ewood with the attitude they've got nothing to lose.

"That's how we felt about the Worthington Cup last season when we found ourselves in a similar position so we certainly can't afford to be complacent against them."

Rovers have failed to score in their last four meetings with Sunderland and the two league encounters between the two sides this season both ended in 0-0 draws.

However, Black Cats boss Howard Wilkinson looks set to field a patched-up side tomorrow after injuries have ravaged his squad in recent weeks.

And some sources in the North East have even suggested he may even rest Kevin Phillips and Tore Andre Flo in preparation for two massive home games against Southampton and Charlton next week.

Rovers, meanwhile, are thought to have a slight doubt over Garry Flitcroft who aggravated his knee in Wednesday night's game.