Dunn targets two more wins

David Dunn reckons Blackburn can ensure Premier League survival with two more wins - and he has targeted the Birmingham and Bolton games.

From a position of seemingly relative safety - Rovers were as high as seventh just three months ago - the club have been dragged into the dogfight at the foot of the table.

They are currently only a point outside the relegation zone and have a tricky run-in with Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United to play in their remaining eight matches.

"It is such a competitive league, arguably one of the best in the world," said Dunn.

"It would be a bit silly to go out there thinking it is cut and dried and we are safe.

"It is obviously difficult, as it is for a number of other clubs down there.

"It is tight but that is what makes it special and we just need a few more wins to get us out of that.

"I think the Premier League is getting more physically challenging every year, more competitive, and that is the way it is going to go - certainly for the clubs outside the top six.

"I wouldn't like to go to Wolves needing a win at the end of the season and we have two very big games in Birmingham and Bolton at home and those are games we are going to be looking to do our best in.

"We have just got to make sure we concentrate on our job and if we do that I am sure we will be fine."

Dunn is one of a number of the Rovers squad who found themselves in a similar position in the 2008/09 season when former manager Sam Allardyce was brought in just before Christmas and saved them from the drop.

The Blackburn-born 31-year-old knows those players have to draw on that experience but also help some of the younger members who are feeling the pressure for the first time.

"Every season seems to be getting more difficult and it is a different experience all the time," he told Press Association Sport.

"The senior players who have been through it before know what it is about and we know what we need to do.

"We can try to do our best but it is important for the young lads to take it in their stride as well.

"It is a valuable experience for them because I don't suppose they will want to be in a relegation fight too may times after they have been in one."

Dunn has missed the last three matches with a hip problem but is hoping to be fit to return at Arsenal a week on Saturday.

"I am coming on really well. I am back running and everything seems okay so I am ready to push on next week and be available for selection at Arsenal," he added.

"It has been a little but frustrating being on the sidelines.

"The injury record has been good and I've not missed too many games but a bad tear in my hip has kept me out the last couple of weeks.

"I am looking forward to playing a part in retaining our status in the Premier League."