DAVID Dunn has endured a frustrating start to Blackburn Rovers ’ Championship se-ason, leading to inevitable whispers from some quarters that his Ewood career is coming to an end.

The Rovers midfielder has made just one start in all competitions so far this campaign and was surprisingly left out of the squad completely for the 3-3 draw at Elland Road last time out.

You can see why some believe it may be time for Dunn to look for pastures new. After all, with the likes of Nuno Gomes, Ruben Rochina, Mauro Formica (pictured) and Diogo Rosado able to play in a ‘second striker’ role, Kean is spoilt for choice.

With Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu seemingly fixtures in the central midfield role, Dunn’s best chance is in a more advanced ‘free’ role.

The 32-year-old is far from finished. He is a player who bleeds blue and white and who will give you everything in every minute he plays. His fighting spirit will still prove important this campaign.

Leaving him out of the squad entirely at Elland Road was a bizarre decision, perhaps even to him, as a quick glance at who else was on the substitutes bench didn’t exactly fill you with confidence that there were a host of ‘game changers’ available.

As it happened, the one who could change the game from the bench, Ruben Rochina, did. But the Spaniard’s tricks and flicks are just as likely to lose you a game on another day.

Imagine the likes of Fabio Nunes, Rochina, Edinho, Paulo Jorge, Rosado on a cold Tuesday night during the long winter months. Give me a David Dunn any day.

Dunn has not lost his ability. He may have lost a yard or two – or three – in pace but his brain is as sharp as ever and his desire to succeed for the club he loves still remains.

I’m not for one minute suggesting he should start at Bristol City. He shouldn’t. But I would feel a lot better having someone like Dunn available to change a game.

It would be sad if the influx of random Portuguese players forced Dunn onto the periphery, or even out of the club.

At 32, the player will still believe he has a good couple of years of football left in him and won’t want to spend them sitting around in the stands.

A number of Championship clubs would take Dunn on loan in a heartbeat and, unless he comes back into contention, he may start to consider that route.

Dunn has a part to play at Ewood still as long as the people who matter realise it.