DAVID Dunn has stressed the importance of keeping hold of Blackburn Rovers’ ‘family club’ traditions after hailing what he saw as their ‘best performance of the season’.

The Rovers midfielder was full of positives after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Everton and, despite dropping back into the relegation zone, believes it was a sign of everyone sticking together.

Tim Cahill gave Everton a controversial first-half lead, after a blatant handball from Marouane Fellaini was ignored in the build-up, but David Goodwillie’s 72nd-minute equaliser was the least the visitors deserved.

Rovers have looked like a club in crisis for much of the season but, with just one defeat from their last five games, Dunn sees reasons to believe the club can yet turn their season around.

Boss Steve Kean remained adamant post-match that skipper Chris Samba would still be at Ewood Park next month, despite not travelling to Goodison having earlier handed in a transfer request. And, with Rovers still looking to bolster their squad ahead of the close of the transfer window, Dunn is hoping a united effort can keep them in the Premier League.

He said: “Some of the performances recently have been really good.

“The manager, the players, the owners and even the fans have had their share of criticism, but it’s important we all stay strong and stick together.

“Blackburn is renowned for being a family club and we need to keep hold of that.

“We deserved at least a point.

“That performance was probably the best we have played all season.

“We played as a team, looked very solid, we created chances and we looked strong.”

Dunn produced a dynamic performance in the heart of Rovers midfield at Goodison, while goalkeeper Paul Robinson produced two stunning late saves to ensure Rovers got their just rewards.

The experienced midfielder was full of praise though for Rovers’ young guns, with the likes of Junior Hoilett, Martin Olsson, Jason Lowe and Steven Nzonzi all showing maturity beyond their years.

Questions remain over whether Venky’s are prepared to make significant investment into the club but, despite much uncertainty off the field, Rovers are showing real togetherness on it.

Dunn said: “Sometimes it is difficult to keep the spirit up, certainly with what’s going on off the pitch.

“So credit to the lads – and let’s be honest, we’re not talking of experienced players in the main here.

“Barring a couple of us, we’re talking young men who haven’t played too many games between them.

“Everything they’re being told, they’re taking in and it looks as if we have some good young lads in there.

“I can sense over the last couple of games or so, a shifting of the mood.

“The fans were criticised all over the place, but they’ve kept everything out of the ground.

“They have seen a bit of a reward in the results, and through that the players are getting more confidence back.”