MATT Jansen says Wanderers must stop David Dunn if they are to end their dismal record against Blackburn at the Reebok.

Wanderers have not beaten their rivals at home in nine attempts, losing five and drawing four.

Bolton fans have to go back to February 5, 2000 for the last time their side emerged with the bragging rights when Gudni Bergsson, Michael Johansen and Eidur Gudjohnsen were on target in a 3-1 victory.

Dunn came on as a substitute for Blackburn that day and Jansen, who has played for both Lancashire clubs, believes the midfielder has been in outstanding form.

“Dunny’s been on fire this season playing in the hole behind the second striker,” said Jansen, who believes his former team-mate can force his way into Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.

“If it wasn’t for his terrible luck with injuries, I am sure he would already have plenty of England caps to his name. He is that good.

“His priority will be getting a very important win at Bolton, but if he keeps playing like he is at the moment, he could be the late call-up into Capello’s squad.

“Playing just behind a striker is really suiting him and if he keeps thriving for Blackburn then I am sure England will come calling.

“For the moment though, no one will be thinking about South Africa. They can’t, they have to focus on their clubs.”

Jansen, who played just seven times for Wanderers but made more than 180 appearances for Blackburn, also thinks Kevin Davies will be influential in tomorrow’s derby showdown.

The pair played together in the Bolton captain’s ill-fated spell at Ewood Park following his £7.5million move from Southampton in the summer of 1998.

And Jansen has been impressed by how his former strike-partner has turned round his career following his Rovers nightmare.

“Kevin didn’t have a great time there but then he went on his travels and finally found his feet at Bolton, where he has been a great success,” said the 32-year-old, now player-coach at non-league Leigh Genesis.

“He had come virtually straight from Chesterfield, via a season at Southampton, as a young lad and had a lot of pressure on his shoulders at that stage of his career.

“He didn’t start off well and his confidence started suffering from there.

“But he’s been a real asset to Bolton and he’s a handful for anyone.

“Bolton play football that suits his style. He’s a great targetman and everything comes off him. Sam Allardyce will obviously know that — and he’ll have to deal with it.”