Blackburn Rovers-Manchester City Preview

Apr 30, 2009 - 4:17 PM WALTER SIMON STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Richard Dunne has backed Stephen Ireland to fire Manchester City a step closer to a return to Europe when Blackburn travel to Eastlands on Saturday after branding the midfielder 'priceless.'

In-form Ireland took his goal tally for the season to 13 to help City record a rare away triumph by beating Everton 2-1 last weekend.

The Republic of Ireland international was also shortlisted for the Premier League's Young Player of the Year award by his fellow professionals.

Captain Dunne, whose side are bidding to claim a place in next season's inaugural Europa Cup, said: "Stevie has been outstanding all season and I don't think anyone can touch him for what he has done since August.

"I think for his age he has been sensational and could possibly be the best midfielder in the country at the moment.

"The key with Stevie is to just let him play and let him enjoy himself. We are not really surprised how he has come through the ranks because he has always had the talent.

"It is amazing to think that he wasn't in the side at the start of the season and might even have left the club at one stage but since he got into the team he has been man of the match on countless occasions.

"That shows his determination and how much he wants to be part of this club moving forward.

"He is priceless. We could probably afford to buy any player in the world at the moment but you cannot put a price on him.

"People will say that the young lads might not get the chance because of the money the manager has to spend but there are plenty of them doing well in the side at the moment. They prove that if you work hard, try hard and make the most of your ability then you will become a star player at the club."

Benni McCarthy claims makeshift strike partner Chris Samba has become Blackburn's answer to Didier Drogba.

Samba has been forced to move up front from his regular defensive role because of injuries to Jason Roberts and Roque Santa Cruz.

The giant Congolese centre back combined with McCarthy to earn Sam Allardyce's side a priceless 2-0 win at home to Wigan last Sunday.

McCarthy said: "It is weird playing next to Chris in attack but very nice. He does distract a lot of defenders and attracts their attention and makes you play with a little bit of ease.

"For him being a big defender he has been fantastic. The boys have been calling him Drogba, Kanu and Adebayor.

"He has been getting loads of names. He has been doing very well. In training he plays striker as well and does all these fancy things and seems to pull it off.

"Because of that the manager thought he would be a better striker than me, Roque and Jason probably."

Roberts could return to the squad after recovering from a stress fracture to his foot.