Richard Dunne

LATEST NEWS

Richard Dunne was thought to be close to a return to action after overcoming a hip problem.

But it's a waiting game for the solid stopper now after he complained of a potential reoccurence of his previous injury.

There's been no definitive update since.

MINI PROFILE

Richard Dunne has well and truly been the rock at the heart of Villa's defence since his 2009 arrival.

Signed by Martin O'Neill, Dunne has formed a formidable centre-half partnership with James Collins during much of his time in claret and blue.

Dunne's first goal came relatively soon after his arrival, in a 1-1 draw against his former club Manchester City.

And it didn't take long for Dunne's second goal, coming in a stunning 2-1 victory against Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea later that month.

Dunne made 44 appearances in all competitions during his first season, scoring three goals.

His first season at Villa was so impressive that he was named in the 2010 PFA Team of the Year alongside Patrice Evra, Thomas Vermaelen, Cesc Fabregas and fellow Villa star James Milner to name a few.

His second season in claret and blue saw him cement his place in the back four with a string of star performances leading Villa to a ninth place finish, including impressive wins in the last two games away at Arsenal and home to Liverpool.

Dunne played 29 consecutive games in all competitions in the 2011-12 season before fracturing his clavicle, which kept him out of action for the latter stages of the season.

Goals in the away games against Sunderland and Arsenal showed his aerial prowess as both a defender and an attacker as his impressive tally of performances stacked up.

Astute and confident defensive performances roared the lions on in a number of key fixtures, including victories away at Chelsea and Wolves, and important points against Everton, Stoke and Newcastle.

Dunne joined Everton as a 15 year old schoolboy during the 1994-95 season.

After a year of playing in the reserves, he signed a professional five-year contract in 1997.

In 2000, Dunne moved to Manchester City where he enjoyed a successful nine years at the club. 

He was so popular with the fans, that he won the Player of the Season award for four years in a row (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008).

In 2006, Dunne was given the captaincy after a succession of supreme performances at centre-half, but the arrivals of Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure coupled with injuries and suspensions meant Dunne's Manchester City spell looked over.

In 2009, Dunne moved to Villa for an undisclosed fee, penning a four year contract.

Dunne made his international debut against Greece in April 2000.

Since then, Dunne has been a regular in the Irish set up.

He has been named the FAI Senior International Player of the Year twice, in 2007 and 2011.

He's been called up to the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, alongside the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Euro tournaments.

In fact - Dunne's dynamic display in Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifier against Moscow was even praised by none other than Villa legend Paul McGrath.

After the goalless draw, McGrath tweeted: "Richard Dunne congratulations. The best performance I have seen from any Irish centre-half and that includes myself."