DAVID Dunn is aiming to give Blackburn Rovers a Christmas bonus by returning from Achilles surgery ahead of the festive period.

The Rovers midfielder felt he was playing his best football in years at the start of the campaign but, after scoring in the opening day win at Everton, he only lasted 45 minutes in the second game of the season against Hull and later found out he required an operation on his Achilles’ tendon.

Dunn was ruled out for up to four months following surgery last month but is now hopeful of returning ahead of schedule, which would give Paul Ince a much-needed extra option in central midfield after Steven Reid was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

“Before Christmas, that is what my target is,” said Dunn.

“If I could get back sometime about then I’ll be pretty happy.

“It was a frustrating time, having the good start that we did. And on a personal level I thought my performance was as good as it has been for a few years.”

"I felt really good and I was really confident but unfortunately this came around.

"It wouldn't have got better so I got the op done and hopefully I'll be back playing soon."