By Paul Brown

Juan Pablo Angel has backed Richard Dunne to be a major force for Villa again next season - as the first team prepare for the coming campaign with their training camp in Portugal.

Cult hero Angel believes the popular Irish star - part of Villa's 22-man party to the Algarve this week - is up there with the very best central defenders in the Barclays Premier League.

The former strike star says he knows from experience the quality of the colossal stopper, having come up against him several times in the top-flight.

Angel insists Dunne is a "phenomenal" defender, who will continue providing quality performances in claret and blue in the coming years.

Dunne will step up his fitness along with the rest of Martin O'Neill's men during their four-day stay in Portugal.

Villa take on Feyenoord and Benfica in the Guadiana Cup but will also undertake intense training as they gear up for the 2010-11 season.

Dunne will be boosted by Angel's complimentary words.

The New York Red Bulls striker said: "People said one of the main tasks was replacing Martin Laursen and Richard has certainly been up for the challenge of doing that.

"I said when Villa signed Richard that it would be a fantastic bit of business and so it has proved.

"I just think he is going to be a phenomenal player for Villa, I really do. He will be a big, big player and I think he will make a massive difference in the long-run.

"I played against Richard and he has many strengths. He is strong, he is quick, he is really, really good in the air. He is a solid defender - he is just good all round.

"He is only 30-years-old too - yet he is vastly experienced already. He is still only young.

"I personally think he is in the prime of his career. I actually think we will see his best years at Villa. He will be phenomenal. I have no doubt about it.

"He is definitely one of the best defenders I came up against in my time in England.

"I think he was one of the standout stars last season."