Dunn's exquisite first-half finish put Rovers on the way to their first win in 11 Premier League away games - the other 10 ended in defeat - and the result will have perked up Allardyce.

The 55-year-old is to undergo an operation on a coronary artery next week and will be missing for the foreseeable future.

"We all wish him the best with his operation. Maybe he should stay away a little bit more," Dunn joked.

Dunn's fifth league goal of the season gave the visitors a half-time lead and three points were sealed by Sam Ricketts' own goal after the break.

"I had a good couple of seasons a few years ago and hopefully I can get into double figures this season," said midfielder Dunn.

"We had a tough October. So many hard games in that month. We have 10 games now where we feel we can really push on and it is going to really make or break us."

Assistant manager Neil McDonald will continue to take charge of the Ewood Park outfit for the matches against Fulham and Stoke over the next week.

Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen added of Allardyce's situation: "It was a major shock to us, especially when we knew it was the heart.

"He's a big man so he must need a big ticker to keep him going. But it will take a lot to knock over that old elephant."