DAVID Dunn believes he is starting to prove his critics wrong after finally emerging from his injury nightmare.

Some fans cast doubt over Mark Hughes' decision to bring Dunn back to Blackburn in January, claiming the midfielder's best days were firmly behind him because of a catalogue of fitness problems.

However, Dunn arrived at Ewood determined to win those doubters over, and he provided the most compelling evidence yet of his desire to get back to his best with a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 derby win at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, who was an able deputy for Tugay in the centre of midfield, said: "That was probably my best game since coming back to the club.

"I felt good and I'm starting to feel as though I'm getting stronger with every game.

"I felt I worked hard off the ball, but when I needed to get my foot on it and settle things down, I was able to do that as well.

"My awareness is also coming back with each game as well, so I'm pleased with how things are going."

Dunn's performance at the Reebok was all the more laudable, given that he was barracked from start to finish by angry Bolton fans who are still bitter he decided to snub Wanderers in favour of a return to Blackburn.

But the former England international felt the amount of abuse that was aimed at him paled into insignificance compared to the white-hot intensity of a Midlands derby.

"That stuff doesn't bother me to be honest," said Dunn.

"I've played in a few Midlands derbies and I got stick off Villa fans for a couple of seasons which was bad enough, so Sunday was no bother at all.

"The important thing was we got the three points, which keeps us going in the league, and that topped off a really good week."

That result moved Rovers to within striking distance of the European places, and with an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City also on the horizon, there is a buzz around Ewood as Dunn and his team-mates chase glory on two separate fronts in what is building up to be an exciting climax to the season.

"We've got everything to look forward to," said the midfielder, who will miss the City game through suspension after clocking up five bookings.

"We've got a really big game on Sunday against Manchester City and if we can beat them then we can really push on, providing we avoid the big two."

In the meantime, Dunn, an expert penalty taker during his first spell with Rovers, is happy to leave the spot-kick duties to Benni McCarthy following his brace at the Reebok.

Dunn was ready to take responsibility when Rovers were awarded two penalties at the weekend, but McCarthy seized the ball and successfully beat Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen on both occasions to atone for his miss against Wanderers earlier in the season.

"Yes I was (up for taking one) but Benni's a centre forward and it helps to get his tally up," quipped Dunn.

"I'll do the dirty work behind him. I'm fine with that."