The 28-year-old midfielder, named as vice-captain by Ince, scored in the victory at Everton on the opening day of the season.

While he has nearly two years to run on his current deal, Blackburn are due to talk to Dunn after the transfer window closes.

Ince said: "He has done ever so well. From day one he has been a leader.

"Dunny is a local lad and everyone looks up to him. I gave him the responsibility of being vice-captain and he has taken it on board.

"If any player performs well, whether it is Dunny or anyone else, then we will look to see if we can extend their contract.

"But first and foremost we need to get the next couple of games out of the way."

Dunn will sit out the Carling Cup match against League Two side Grimsby on Wednesday in the hope he can shrug off an Achilles problem by the time Blackburn face West Ham on Saturday.

Ince is set to mix his side up and give a debut to summer signing Carlos Villanueva.

No sooner had the 22-year-old Chile forward joined on a season-long loan deal from Audax Italiano - with a view to a permanent move - he went down with chickenpox.

Now Villanueva, who has won 12 caps, is ready to be unleashed on the League Two side for the second-round cup match.

Ince said: "I will have a look at Carlos as he has been dying to get involved. He is getting there but needs minutes on the pitch.

"He is looking sharp in training and a game tomorrow will stand him in good stead.

"When he first came he had chickenpox and it has taken time for him to get back into the swing of things."

Ince led MK Dons to victory against Grimsby at Wembley last season in the Johnston Paints Trophy - but expects another battle of wills with veteran manager Alan Buckley.

"While we had a fantastic day out and a great victory, Grimsby are a good side, " said the Rovers boss. "Alan Buckley's teams always play nice football and there is a bit of pressure on us as we are expected to win.

"We have to stamp our authority on the game but it won't be easy. They will be up for it and that is when they can be dangerous.

"We want to have a good run either in the League Cup or the FA Cup. It is important.

"If you stay unbeaten you keep the momentum going into the Premier League."