Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is delighted to see David Dunn back to something like his best – although he won’t be too chuffed if the talented midfielder runs rings round his lot tonight.
Hodgson knows all about the injury-plagued 29-year-old having given Dunn his Premier League debut in September 1998 when he was manager of Blackburn.
Since then, Dunn has impressed in fits and starts, but injuries have continued to hamper him and he deserves more than the one England cap he currently has to his name.
Dunn has been in inspired form of late and, providing he can keep injury free, Hodgson says there’s no reason why he can’t force himself back into the England reckoning.
Hodgson remains a big fan of Dunn and says: “He's a player who, during his best years, got blighted with some quite serious injuries that kept him out for months and months at a time.
"He's been unlucky with injuries and it's obvious that's had an effect. But his strength is, despite all that, he's back now and to see him back and doing well is great.
"I gave him his debut. He was a very good player as an 18-year when he came into the team in 1998. He is obviously a very gifted player."
Dunn is Blackburn's top scorer this season with six goals from ten starts and skipper Ryan Nelsen believes his mate deserves an England recall.
Hodgson also maintains the midfielder could still hold his own on the international stage.
"It will be difficult for David because Fabio Capello's been working for two years with a group of players and his central midfield is particularly strong," Hodgson said.
"Realistically speaking it will be tough, but it's not out of the question. If you are asking me if he has the qualities to play for England, I am sure he has."
