The Athletic's Dominic Fifield has made a big revelation in regards to Scott Dann.On the centre-back's 33rd birthday, Fifield published an article outlining how the former Blackburn man may now need to step up and be a vital player for Roy Hodgson over the course of the next few weeks, following an injury to James Tomkins.Dann has only made six Premier League appearances so far this season, finding himself fifth choice at times behind Tomkins, Mamadou Sakho - who is also out injured - Martin Kelly and Gary Cahill.

However, with Kelly absent from the last outing against Everton with an injury, the Crystal Palace No.6 appeared from the bench - almost a week on from that defeat, Fifield has made a big revelation.

What did he say?

Midway through his article, Fifield writes: "He remains hugely valued within the set-up. Yet, had Palace secured a right-back last month to relieve Kelly of his duties out wide, Dann might well have been permitted to depart.

"Interest was mooted from rival Premier League clubs. At least two expressed interest in taking him on loan until the end of the season, with one apparently willing to make the move permanent in the summer if all went well."

Would've been sad to see him go

Since arriving from Blackburn on deadline day back in January 2014, Dann has been an excellent servant for the Eagles and arguably one of the finest centre-backs the club have had in recent years.

The Englishman has made 156 appearances for the south Londoners, scoring 15 goals and registering seven assists, while he was also handed the captain's armband by Alan Pardew such was his status as a leader within the squad.

Sadly, a serious knee injury picked up against Manchester City, coupled with the emergence of Tomkins and Sakho in his absence, meant that game time has been difficult to come by for Dann, who has steadily slipped further down the pecking order.

Calling Premier League experts ONLY: Which year were these top flight clubs formed?

Fifield also mentioned that the defender still retains a desire to play regular football, so his departure would've made sense on a personal level - however, it still would've been sad to see such a long-serving player depart Selhurst Park.

In other news, Jeffrey Schlupp has sent a two-word message to Cenk Tosun on Instagram...