Rovers aim o ‘kick lumps’ out of City

BLACKBURN midfielder David Dunn insists his team will adopt a hard–but–fair attitude against Manchester City tomorrow, vowing to “kick lumps” out of the big–spending Blues.

Mark Hughes’ men open their Premier League campaign at Ewood Park after a summer in which they have recruited over £100million of talent in a bid to challenge for a top–four finish.

Dunn accepts Rovers may not be in the same league financially but warns City they will make up for that with sheer will to win – and a good dose of aggression.

“It’s important we do our best and kick lumps out of them – fairly of course,” he said.

“We have to be very strong and organised and the main thing is we will have to be really aggressive against them and knock them about a bit. That’s what the manager will be asking from our lads. We have to make Ewood Park a place no–one wants to come to again.

Dunn added: “I think it is a good time to play City. Unfortunately we don’t have the same resources. But what we do have is an even level on that pitch and as soon as the lads cross the white line the money doesn’t really matter. It’s about how much you want it.”

Former Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz will miss the trip to Ewood Park through injury and there could also be a doubt over fellow new arrival Emmanuel Adebayor.

The £25million arrival from Arsenal suffered a minor groin injury on international duty for Togo in midweek.

Ex–Manchester United star Carlos Tevez should be fit after overcoming a heel injury aggravated by slipping in the shower.

Manager Mark Hughes said: “Carlos has had some good work this week and we are pleased. He is looking in good shape.”

Expectations at City have risen due to the club’s lavish outlay on new players.

Having overcome conjecture over his own future throughout last season, Hughes is confident he can handle the pressure.

He said: “Everybody else was speculating about every aspect of Manchester City without being in full possession of the facts.

“I knew very early on what the situation was going to be and I was quite comfortable, irrespective of what everyone else was saying. I’ve just been getting on with my job, that’s what you do.”

City look set to further test Everton’s resolve to keep Joleon Lescott with an increased bid for the unsettled defender.

City have already had offers of £15million and £18million rejected by the Goodison Park club, who insist the player is not for sale, despite having a transfer request turned down.

If a deal for Lescott fails to materialise Hughes is likely to move on to other targets before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.