DAVID Dunn today handed Blackburn boss Graeme Souness a pre-derby boost by revealing he is ready to put pen to paper on a new contract with Rovers.

England Under 21 skipper Dunn has already held preliminary talks with the club about extending his existing deal which is due to run out in 2003.

And the 20-year-old midfielder is hopeful a new contract may even be sorted out in time for Christmas which would tie him to the club for the foreseeable future.

"If the club are prepared to commit to me then I'm prepared to do the same with them," said Dunn.

"I feel we're in a great position to get promotion.

"It's still tight at the top but we've got a good squad and I believe we can do it.

"So, hopefully, something will be sorted out and it may even happen before Christmas.

"We've spoken about it and the club have said they'll be coming back to me soon."

Dunn has become one of the hottest properties outside the Premiership after a string of impressive performances for Rovers this season.

With 10 goals to his name so far, he is the club's current top scorer and the likes of Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Great Harwood youngster over the last few months.

A product of the club's successful Academy set-up, his form for Rovers has also seen him appointed skipper of Howard Wilkinson's England Under 21 side. And both Souness and the Ewood board consider him to be a big part of the club's future plans.

"We always said to David that if he kept doing well then we would review his contract situation and that's where we are up to," said chief executive John Williams.

"He's made about 50 appearances for the first team now and, obviously, he's done well for us. From the noises we here, he seems very keen to sign a longer contract.

"And if that comes off then, obviously, it would be great news for the club."

Meanwhile, Rovers completed the signing of Henning Berg in time for the Norwegian to be included in Graeme Souness's squad for tomorrow's derby with Burnley at Turf Moor.

Berg has signed a contract until the end of next season and his £1.75 million move from Manchester United was sealed just five minutes before yesterday's noon deadline.

Loan signing Alan Mahon -- signed until the end of the season from Sporting Lisbon -- did not receive international clearance in time, however, and will have to wait to make his debut.

Souness, who also has slight doubts over Craig Short and skipper Garry Flitcroft, is expecting a stiff test from Stan Ternent's men. "We started the season as a lot of people's favourites and we understand that every time we go out we are under pressure," said Souness.

"And tomorrow will be no different for us.

"Derby games are special because it's local.

"It's two group of supporters who maybe live next door to each other and the fact we've not played against Burnley for so long makes it extra special.

"But I just hope it's remembered for being a special game of football and not for some lunatic who does something crazy to try and get himself into the papers or on TV."

Rovers are expected to choose from: Friedel, Curtis, Kenna, Short, Berg, Dailly, Flitcroft, Dunn, Duff, Hignett, Hughes, Bent, Jansen, Ostenstad, Broomes, Taylor, McAteer, Filan.