DAVID Dunn is confident there will be no repeat of last season’s relegation scrap at Ewood Park after hailing the strength in depth of Rovers’ current squad.

Dunn will be hoping to continue in ‘the hole’ for today’s Premier League visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers and insists Blackburn Rovers’ winless league start is no reason to panic.

An Achilles injury forced Dunn to spend most of last campaign on the sidelines as Rovers flirted precariously with relegation but, as he now looks to cement a regular role again, he insists the future looks bright.

Brett Emerton, El-Hadji Diouf, Ryan Nelsen, Franco Di Santo and Steven Reid are also expected to be available after injury for this afternoon’s game – leaving Dunn confident for the Premier League campaign ahead.

He said: “It’s a very strong squad.

“We played a game for a few of us that were coming back against Celtic the other week and we could have had a good go.

“Even in the Premier League that team would have done okay. We’ve got a lot of players coming back from injury.

“I think the squad is as strong as it’s been for a while. Once we get everyone back we'll be fine.”

Having missed the start of the season through injury and illness, Dunn has starred on his recent first-team return, producing man of the match displays at Gillingham in the Carling Cup and at home to West Ham as he played just behind a lone striker.

Allardyce’s increasing options in attack could yet change his formation, and Dunn’s role, for the visit of Wolves and that is something the Rovers midfielder fully understands.

He said: “There’s no secret that’s my best position, but nowadays it’s not always easy to find a system that fits. It’s not always a manager’s favourite thing to put someone there because you lose one of your attackers.

“Against West Ham I felt in the second half we created a lot of chances whereas I don’t think Robbo’s had a shot to save.

“We should have everyone fit when Wolves come. We'd have preferred to kick on again and get three points on the board rather than have the international break. We’re disappointed not to have got more than we have.”

This afternoon’s match could also see the long-awaited Rovers debut for former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado, a signing that stirred the memory for Rovers fan Dunn.

“We signed Ossie Ardiles when I was a kid – he was a World Cup winner,” said Dunn. “Obviously Salgado is a top player. He’s been at Real Madrid for 10 years, they even gave him a Benefit game. Top player and I’m sure he’ll bring a lot to us.”