Dunn denies Souness slur

Dunn can leave if an offer comes in

David Dunn has hit back at suggestions by Blackburn boss Graeme Souness that he has taken "his eye off the ball" this season.

Souness clearly questioned the England Under-21 midfielder's attitude as he revealed Rovers would listen to offers for Dunn.

However, the player told The Sun: "I have got a lot of family and good friends around me.

"If I was out of order my grandad would be the first to clip me round the ear and bring me down to earth - and everyone at the club knows that.

"I am very disappointed with what has happened - and also the way it has happened."

Souness admitted Blackburn would be "reluctant sellers" of Dunn if the "right offer" came in.

Maybe in David's case there are other things going on in his life that have made him take his eye off the ball

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness

But he said: "There sometimes comes a time in a player's career when he needs to hear a different voice.

"For whatever reason, we don't think David has been at his best this season.

"He's been disappointing this year. He's not come anywhere near the standards he has set himself.

Dunn made his England debut against Portugal earlier this season - but has suffered a dip in form and injury problems.

Profile: David Dunn

Souness hinted that outside factors in Dunn's life have influenced his shock decision.

Souness added: "Maybe in David's case there are other things going on in his life that have made him take his eye off the ball.

"That is not something I'm prepared to accept."

Dunn played in the Worthington Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester United, but limped off after less than 20 minutes with a recurrence of a calf injury.

The 23-year-old has now travelled with the team doctor to Oxford as the club's medical team seek to get to the bottom of the problem.

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