FORMER England boss Bobby Robson has joined David Dunn's growing army of admirers after singling out the young Rovers midfielder for a top award.

Robson headed a star-studded panel also featuring Lawrie McMenemy and Mick McCarthy which voted Dunn the Cisco Young Player of the Month for February ahead of a host of Premiership stars.

It's only the second time a player from outside the top-flight has received the award.

And it could not have come at a better time for the England Under 21 international as Rovers' prepared for their FA Cup quarter final showdown with Arsenal at Highbury this afternoon.

"There's no doubt that David deserves this recognition," said Robson.

"He's a bright young player with a lot of talent.

"And it always rewarding when a young player comes through his own club's system."

Dunn has played a massive part in Rovers' march towards the Premiership.

And he's thrilled to pick up this latest award after capping a fabulous February with vital goals against Bolton (twice) and Derby.

Previous winners this season include Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Manchester United's Wes Brown and West Ham's Michael Carrick. "It's great to pick up an award like this because it's nice to be recognised," said Dunn.

"I think Bobby Robson overlooks it along with a few other international managers so it's great that they've chosen me.

"I only found out about it yesterday morning but it's a big honour.

"And it's not just recognition for me but recognition for what the whole team have achieved."

Dunn was hoping for the chance to impress England boss Sven Goran Eriksson at Highbury this afternoon as he prepared for a duel with Gunners midfielder Patrick Vieira.

But the 21-year-old starlet admits Rovers went into the game with one eye on next week's crunch promotion battle with Birmingham at St Andrews.

"Obviously, we all want to go through today and keep the confidence going with another win," said Dunn.

"But Birmingham is the bigger game and, if we had to choose, then we'd prefer a result from that one."

Rovers face a potentially damaging fixture backlog if they draw or win at Highbury today.

But manager Graeme Souness insists his squad have the energy levels to cope with whatever is thrown up at them. "We've played a lot of games recently but we still look fresh," said Souness.

"As a game goes on, we seem to be getting more and more powerful.

"And that's largely because we've got a young team with young legs.

"Of course, you have to look after yourself, as I think all professional footballers do.

"And, if you're training properly and resting properly, then I don't see playing Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Wednesday as a problem.

"I've been there myself and I didn't look after myself all the time like these guys do today.

"But we did have a lot more to celebrate then!

"It's a psychological thing, though. As a player, when you're winning regularly, you can't wait to step out onto the pitch.

"When I was at Liverpool, we used to play 60 games a season and I'd play in all of them -- except when I was suspended." Meanwhile, Rovers keeper John Filan could be missing for up to a month after going under the knife yesterday to cure a cartilage problem.

The Aussie international picked up the injury earlier in the week which prevented him from taking his place on the bench for Wednesday night's Cup victory over Bolton.

Republic of Ireland international Alan Kelly was again due to deputise today at Highbury as cover for Brad Friedel.

"John flicked a bit of his cartilage so he's had to have that trimmed," said Souness.

"So he may be out for a few weeks -- we'll just have to see how quickly it clears up."

Rovers raised nearly £200 on Wednesday after fans donated cash to have their picture taken with the FA Cup.

Some of the money will be donated to the Jack Walker memorial fund.