RANGY Nigerian international Finidi George has made a timely return from injury to boost Ipswich's survival bid.

And, given the games they've got coming up over the next two months, the Blues are going to need all his goalscoring power from midfield if they plan to steer clear of the dreaded dropzone between now and May 11.

George, signed from Spanish outfit Mallorca in the summer, was a revelation during the early part of the season before a freak injury resulted in him being sidelined for several months.

But now he's back with a vengeance and, having scored seven goals so far, the former Ajax and Real Betis man will provide some much-needed craft for the likes of Marcus Stewart and Marcus Bent to feed off up front.

Tall and lanky, he possesses unusually quick feet for such a big man.

And his height and strength in the air make him a potent weapon at set-pieces.

However, Rovers also boast a goalscoring midfielder of their own in the outrageously talented David Dunn.

The England Under 21starlet underlined his immense value to the side with a stunning left-foot strike to help sink Aston Villa last week.

That was his seventh goal of the season, six of which have come in the Premiership.

Dunn himself would prefer to play in the centre of midfield where he feels he can have a greater influence on proceedings.

However, manager Graeme Souness looks set to utilise him again on the right at the expense of Keith Gillespie as he seeks the midfield stability necessary to dig Rovers out of relegation trouble.

DAVID DUNN

Nationality...British

Date of Birth...27/12/79

Position...midfield

Former clubs...None

Signed on...1/8/97

Fee...Trainee

Goals this season...7

FINIDI GEORGE

Nationality...Nigeria

Date of birth...15/4/71

Position...Forward

Former clubs...Ajax, Real Betis, Mallorca.

Signed on...17/8/01

Fee...£300000

Goals this season...7