Hignett knows Dunny will be key

Former Rover Craig Hignett believes that David Dunn will hold the key to the upcoming derby in 6 days time as the onyl local playing in the match.

Craig played with Dunny in the derby games that took place in the now Championship and has offered his own personal insight into the games themselves and the impact that Dunny has had.

Craig, speaking at a public meeting with Dunny present said - "I remember before that first game in 2000, Dunny was so fired up it was unreal. It was the first game against Burnley for about 17 years and he told everyone how important it was.

"A lot of the lads didn`t know what it was all about. Obviously we had all seen the Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester derby but we never even thought that Blackburn against Burnley would be as intense. It was though, in fact it was probably worse.

"Dunny though knew all about it and tried to make sure we knew about it. If he can get that over to the lads in the squad now then it may work to Blackburn`s advantage.

"He will be as fired up to get one over on Burnley again and he is in great form as well. We all know Dunny is an incredible talent and if he had stayed fit, I am sure he would have played many more times for England. He will be key for Rovers."

The impact this game will have will be off the charts and I agree with Hignett that Dunn can make the difference. Not just from a playing aspect but also from a mental side as well.

Dunny and Sam Allardyce have got a short time to educate the rest of the players on how much this means - failure is not an option.

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