Cap that David

As we reported in last night's later editions, Blackburn Rovers have been given a double boost by the selection of 18-year-old midfielder Dunn and striker Kevin Davies for the under-21 side who take on the Czech Republic at Ipswich on Tuesday night.

Davies has already been capped at under-21 level but Dunn's inclusion, after just three appearances as a substitute for Rovers' first team, has come as a very pleasant surprise to everyone at Ewood.

"It's been some week," smiled the teenager, who scored the crucial penalty in Wednesday's Worthington Cup shootout at Newcastle.

"The manager called me over after training and I was wondering what I had done wrong!

"But he just said 'Well, done, you are in the under-21 squad'.

"I was a bit surprised.

"When I was with the England under-18s, a few of the coaches said to me that I should now be aiming to get into the under-21s.

"But I hadn't even been thinking about it. It has come a lot earlier than I expected and I never thought it would happen this week. I'm delighted.

"It's always good to play for your country but I earn my bread and butter with Blackburn Rovers and I would love to have my first start with them."

Dunn, who was still playing for the B team last season, made his Premiership bow at Everton in September but was then substituted himself minutes after being sent on, as Martin Dahlin was red carded and Rovers had to adjust tactically.

A second appearance as sub followed at Middlesbrough and then he replaced Dario Marcolin for the extra-time period and penalties at St James' Park.

To receive an under-21 call after so little experience reflects how highly he is regarded and his brief taste of life at the top has also whetted the player's appetite.

"I always want more," he said.

"When I have played 20 games, I will want to play 50 and so on."

The inclusion of Davies in the international squad should also give the striker a lift as he continues the search for his first goal, following his £7.25 million move from Southampton.

With Kevin Gallacher now back in the frame, as well as Nathan Blake, who was cup tied on Wednesday, Rovers are starting to get competition for places again.

And the Scot does not anticipate any problems, even though he will have to play with a lightweight cast on his arm.

"I have been training with a cast on and my confidence has been going from strength to strength," he said.

"The last couple of weeks have been frustrating for me because I have been doing full training without playing games.

"This season has been null and void for me so far. My season is only just starting."

While Rovers' injury problems are expected to show a significant improvement in the next few weeks, and Gallacher's all-clear is a major step forward, the loss of Tim Flowers for anything up to six weeks adds to the long-term casualties.

And Billy McKinlay is still not ready after hopes that his groin injury would have recovered in time for him to be available for this afternoon's trip to Old Trafford.

Flowers' injury is more serious than first thought with a torn tendon.

The only consolation is that surgery is not anticipated and Rovers do have experienced back-up.

Hodgson said: "It's very fortunate at this club that we have two goalkeepers of the quality of Filan and Fettis to cover."

The manager also revealed that Rovers were working with Manchester United to try to make arrangements for their Republic of Ireland players to fly to Dublin tonight to join up with the international squad as soon as possible after the Old Trafford clash.

Hodgson believes that commonsense has prevailed in the situation which threatened to rob both sides, and other clubs, of important players for the sake of reporting a few hours earlier to comply with the five-day rulings.

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