Egil wants permanent City switch EWOOD exile Egil Ostenstad has revealed he wants to join Premiership strugglers Manchester City on a permanent basis.

The Norwegian international striker is currently at Maine Road on a two-month loan deal after slipping down the pecking order at Ewood Park.

And, after a season of personal frustration, he is desperate to prove to City boss Joe Royle that he could have a long-term future at the club.

"I've been here for just over a month now and I'm really enjoying it," said Ostenstad.

"The training is excellent and there is a great spirit in the squad.

"It has given me a great lift after leaving Blackburn where I was having a difficult time. "Football has been a lot more fun since I moved here and I would like to stay on a permanent basis.

"But it all depends on what is happening to the club."

Ostenstad has been limited to just a couple of substitute appearances so far since his move to Maine Road.

But a brace of goals in the reserves recently put him in the frame for his first start in City's relegation battle with Bradford today.

And, with transfer deadline day looming large on the horizon, the 29-year-old frontman knows he needs to make the most of his big chance in order to speed up his Ewood escape.

"We haven't played for two weeks because of the FA Cup so that's given me time to get some good work done on the training ground," said Ostenstad.

"So it's a case of waiting to see what happens now but I'd definitely like to stay.

"There's enough quality for us to stay up and we are closer now than when I first came in. "It's looking better and I think Middlesbrough will not get out of it until late, if they do get out of it.

"So there's still every chance." City may well try to extend Ostenstad's loan until the end of the season ahead of next Thursday's transfer deadline.

But Royle is unlikely to make a decision on a permanent move until City's Premiership fate is decided.

Meanwhile, David Dunn could be forced to drop out of England's Under 21 game with Finland next week due to a persistent toe injury.

The young midfielder had an X-ray yesterday and, though the results revealed there was nothing broken, he has been ordered to rest by physio Dave Fevre.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness was forced to leave him out of his squad to face Wimbledon at Ewood today which he admitted was a major blow.

"Dunny has done really well for us this season," said Souness.

"People forget he's only 21 but he's played in all our games this season, bar maybe one or two, and he's been a credit to himself and his family.

"Everyone knows what I think of him. He's got a great future ahead of him so we are going to miss him.

"But we've got other players who can come in and do an equally good job."

Blackburn Rovers' Disabled Supporters Club are holding their player of the year awards night on Wednesday, April 18, in the Centenary Suite at Ewood.

Contact Duncan Gardiner on 01254 693793 if you want a ticket in advance or you can pay on the night.