THREE years ago they were rivals for a place in the Blackburn Rovers midfield. Now, David Dunn and David Thompson are kindred spirits who know better than most exactly what the other has had to go through during those intervening years.

It's no exaggeration to say the one-time England hopefuls have spent more time in the treatment than they have on the pitch during the last 12 months.

While Thompson has been battling to overcome knee and ankle injuries, his former team-mate Dunn has been laid up with a back problem which, at one point, appeared to be potentially career threatening.

But, thankfully, the two old friends are ready to hit the comeback trail and, by a strange quirk of fate, they could find themselves in opposition tomorrow when Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City collide in a lunchtime clash at Ewood Park.

Dunn made his first competitive appearance since Boxing Day as a second half substitute in last week's Midlands derby with Aston Villa at St Andrews.

Now Thompson is hoping for a similar role with Rovers this weekend after completing his own painstaking rehabilitation following a five-month lay-off.

"I'm made up to see Dunny back," said Thompson.

"I know more than anyone what it's like to be out injured and for Dunny to be out for 10 months must have been a nightmare for him.

"I was buzzing when I saw him come on against Aston Villa last Sunday because I know what he's had to go through to get himself back in the team again.

"I actually went down to Birmingham a month or so ago to see him and he wasn't even back in training at that point.

"But he's worked hard to get himself fit again and I'm delighted he now seems to be over his problems because he's a great lad and a great player."

Dunn said: "A lot of things have happened in the last three or four months.

"My grandma dying, splitting up with my girlfriend, not seeing the little 'un as much as I'd like.

"Things like that make you realise football is not the be-all and end-all of life.

"But it is still an important part of my life and I want to do my best and get as fit as I possibly can."

That same hunger and ambition can now be seen in Thompson, who has emerged from his own personal nightmare to put himself in the frame for a first team return.

After four separate operations in the last two years (three on his knee, one on his ankle), the 28-year-old can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

"I look back at last season and that was the worst one I've ever had," said Thompson.

"I did my ankle in my comeback game against Manchester United and it was never right after that.

"But I'm feeling fitter now than I have done for a while and it would be great to be involved in some capacity tomorrow."