By Dan Harrison

Stephen Ireland is excited by his Villa reunion with close pal Richard Dunne - after hailing the defender as "one of the best players I've ever played with".

The duo were long-time team-mates at Manchester City and also played together on the international stage for the Republic of Ireland.

Dunne left Eastlands last summer but maintained close contact with Ireland, who followed him down the M6 to Villa Park.

As well as long-term friendship, there is a mutual respect between the pair.

Ireland reckons his compatriot is one of the best in the business.

As a midfielder who likes to utilise possession in the central ground, he benefited from the defensive solidity Dunne brought to the Man City line-up.

Now they are set to renew their partnership in Villa colours and Ireland is grateful to have his fellow Irishman around to help him settle in.

He told AVTV: "I speak to Dunnie quite a lot - we spoke all last season and all summer.

"I speak to him quite a lot because he is a good guy and being Irish as well, we have a good connection.

"I consider him a really good friend and I am really happy to be here with him because he'll help me settle in well.

"I have always said in the past he is one of the best players I have played with.

"As a midfielder with Dunnie behind you, it is great security and I feel I have a good understanding with him when I want to receive the ball.

"It is good to have that security behind me."

Dunne was a four-time Manchester City Player of the Year and scooped the Players Player of the Year following a superb first season at Villa.

It came as no surprise to Ireland to see the colossal defender carry on hitting the high standards following his move.

Ireland added: "He's been doing that for the last eight or nine years now. He is so consistent, he really does lead by example."

Ireland's transfer also means a reunion with Kevin MacDonald, who he played under briefly when the Villa caretaker boss worked as assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland.

It was MacDonald's man management, honesty and trust that impressed Ireland most during their time working together.

The midfielder said: "I am really excited to be working with him again.

"I was always fond of him when I played for Ireland and coming here it is exciting times for me and exciting times for him as well.

"I think he is a really good man and as a player you really want someone like that as a manager - somebody to speak to, trust and who is honest with you as well.

"So I think as a man-manager he is really good and I am looking forward to working with him."