EXPERIENCED campaigner Craig Short today paid tribute to one of the unsung heroes of Rovers' promotion campaign as Graeme Souness's troops prepare for tomorrow's derby date with Burnley.

While the likes of Matt Jansen and David Dunn have tended to hog the headlines this season, Short believes John Curtis's contribution has been widely overlooked.

However, the former Manchester United star is a strong contender for player of the year, according to defensive colleague Short.

And, if he continues to show the same levels of consistency he has done at Ewood so far, Short believes the former Englnad Under 21 international can look forward to a bright future.

"I think John's been an unsung hero this year," said Short.

"He's played the most games out of all of us, he's still only 22 or 23 and yet he never seems to get a mention.

"I know players like Matty and Dunny deserve the plaudits and praise they are getting but John has been Mr Consistency.

"He's shown a maturity beyond his years and he could be an outstanding player for years to come."

Curtis and Co will need to be on their guard against a Burnley attack featuring the likes of Ian Moore. But only Wimbledon and Preston have managed to score at Ewood this season.

And Rovers' impressive defensive record owes a lot to the experience of people like Henning Berg and keeper Brad Friedel.

"I've always rated Henning over the years, I've watched him play for the biggest club in the world and, when he came in, he was a calming influence," said Short.

"He never seems to get flustered and I can't remember him making a mistake.

"As a manager, all you want is your defenders to be consistent and not start trying to do different tricks.

"And, as for Brad, there was a lot of pressure on him when he came here because John Filan had been exceptional, Alan Kelly was also an international keeper and we also had Alan Miller.

"So when Brad arrived I felt for him a little bit because he knew that some of the other players were thinking 'why have we signed a keeper?'

"But he's been exceptional since he came in and, though people will remember him for a couple of saves against Birmingham, I think his strongest point is coming for crosses."