By Paul Brown

Richard Dunne says his World Cup heartache regarding Thierry Henry is ancient history, insisting: "Footballers live for the present."

Dunne, of course, will square off against Henry for the first time since the infamous incident which marred the 2010 World Cup play-off game between Republic of Ireland and France.

Henry admitted handling in the run-up to William Gallas's winner in the Paris decider.

Dunne was deeply upset at the time and could be forgiven for still feeling hard-done by.

But he's now in reflective mood and insists Arsenal against Villa at the Emirates will not be the scene of any revenge mission.

He added: "People want us to feel hard done by.

"But as players we have to move on. I had a game that weekend for Villa against Burnley and that was it.

"It's the same with every footballer I know. With respect, the press will analyse decisions as to whether it was a red card or not because it's a story for them and I understand people are interested.

"But as footballers we have to live for the moment. Every time you play a game you have a new problem. Like Sunday, it's trying to stop Arsenal. That's the way it is.

"It's something that has happened. People will talk about it forever. It's hard to put into words.

"But it doesn't really matter anymore. I certainly won't be going out of my way to get revenge. I don't owe him one.

"I mean, I saw Thierry in a hotel just before Christmas. He was with Robert Pires. But I didn't get a chance to say 'Hello.'

"It will be the first time I've come up against him since then. But I'll be concentrating on stopping Arsenal from scoring."

Dunne will also have to contend with Robin van Persie to do that.

The centre-half doesn't believe van Persie is the fastest striker around - except between the ears where his speed of thought is like lightning.

Dunne is relishing the battle with Arsenal's lynchpin forward this weekend as Villa look to see off the Gunners on their own patch.

Dunne knows keeping van Persie quiet will be key and he accepts that exciting challenge.

He added: "Robin van Persie is a really clever centre-forward.

"I don't think he is lightning fast but there is no-one out there at the moment with sharper movement.

"It's his movement, allied to his finishing which makes him the player that he is.

"You always get quick players. But then there are others who don't rely so much on their pace.

"Van Persie is one. Shearer was another. He was clever and he had strength and good ability to win free-kicks.

"Arsenal, on their day, can beat anyone. They are still challenging for the top four and may be changing their team around. But they remain a top side.

"Anyone who puts van Persie in their team is going to be a top side."

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