DUNN INSPIRED BY INCE

Ince - backed by Dunn.

David Dunn believes the appointment of Paul Ince as Blackburn manager will help Rovers in their quest to bring European football to Ewood Park next season.

Ince was appointed as Rovers boss in June following the departure of Mark Hughes to Manchester City.

Hughes spent three-and-a-half successful seasons at Ewood Park, but Dunn believes Ince has what it takes to continue Hughes' success.

Ince made his name as a player at Manchester United where he picked up 10 winners medals across different competitions during his six seasons at Old Trafford.

Dunn believes the winning mentality that Ince developed as a player will be beneficial to Blackburn as they look to get back into Europe after narrowly missing out on qualification into the Intertoto Cup last season.

"He captained the best team in England (Manchester United) over the last 10 or 15 years. So he has a presence about him which goes through the squad - we want to do well for him," said Dunn.

"We have to keep progressing and moving forward. It's certainly the right appointment.

"We just missed out on Europe last season so it has to be our aim to get back in there. We're looking to push on and get back in there.

"The biggest thing about my last four managers (Graeme Souness, Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes and Paul Ince) is that they've all been successful as players.

"They are no different as managers, they are very ambitious, have a good work ethic and want to get results.

"Anyone who has played for Liverpool and Man United have a real hunger and desire to win games and win leagues."

To signify his attachment to the club where he began his professional career 11 years ago, Dunn has his own personalised brick in the Walker Steel Stand, which reads: "When you are going through hell, keep going."

The England midfielder shone during the 2001-02 season when Rovers triumphed over Tottenham in the League Cup final.

That was the last time Blackburn added to their trophy cabinet, and another player who was vital to the team's success that season was goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Rovers will have to do without Friedel this season after the veteran keeper made a £2million move to Aston Villa this summer.

Dunn admitted he was sad to see Friedel leave, but insisted the club had signed the perfect replacement in Paul Robinson who has made a £3.5million move from Tottenham.

"As a Blackburn fan, I know Brad has been a tremendous servant. He's a world-class keeper and has been worth a lot of points to this club.

"But we've got Paul Robinson who's an England goalkeeper and is only 28. So I think it's a shrewd bit of business by the club," said Dunn.

David Bentley followed Friedel out of the exit to make his £15million move to Spurs last month.

One player that Dunn is adamant will not leave Blackburn, however, is last season's top scorer Roque Santa Cruz.

The Paraguay striker has been the subject of interest from Manchester City who have tabled a reported £12million bid for the player.

"There's no way in a million years he'll be allowed to leave the club. He's a massive player for us," he said.

"The 20 goal a season players aren't always easy to find or replace."