Kevin Blackwell is considering asking Blackburn Rovers to extend the loan of Mark Bunn.

The revitalised goalkeeper has recorded three consecutive clean sheets but his loan deal is set to expire after the home encounter with Preston North End between Christmas and New Year.

"Mark came to a big club with big expectations," said Blackwell. "It was a tough challenge for him, he lost a bit of form and we brought in Bennett and Ikeme, but since then Bunn has come on in leaps and bounds. He's dominated his box, been agile and positive, and really looked the part.

"It has made me re-assess him. I still need a number one goalkeeper because the key to any success is to have a solid back line, and we've had that in recent weeks. It has made a big difference having that cohesion and understanding at the back."

In addition, the United boss has confirmed that Ian Bennett is nearing a return to fitness following a thumb problem he sustained at Barnsley in November.

Blackwell adds: "Benno is coming on, he's not in full training yet because he has still got some pain in his thumb, but his handling the ball better and is improving.

"If needs be we would play him and he has already made himself available for selection when injured which shows his commitment, as did Andrew Davies and Derek Geary."