Dunne kicks off 2005 ‘in best form ever’

Liam Mackey

"I think I am in the best form of my career at the moment," says the 25 year old Dubliner, "and that I believe is because the team is doing better this season."

Having put his past disciplinary problems firmly behind him, Dunne has missed only one game for City since October 2003, and formed a formidable center-half partnership with Sylvain Distin at the City of Manchester Stadium. But Dunne is also quick to praise the defensive contribution of the club's oft-criticised goalkeeper.

"For Sylvain and I the factor that has really improved our game in the past year has been the arrival of David James. He has such a presence and he's talking to us all the time. He organises us and tells us where he wants us at corners, crosses and set pieces and there is never a doubt in your mind as to what your job is. Everyone knows now, and Sylvain and myself have taken a lot of satisfaction in it."

Dunne also pays tribute to the rest of the City side in particular the exciting young talent whose name is on everyone's lips this season.

"The work ethic throughout the whole team is impressing everyone and individual performances across the team have been up this season," he observes. "If we can keep hold of Shaun Wright-Phillips and the other youngsters, in a few years' time we'll have a settled side."

As for himself, Dunne comments: "I really like it here and feel I have really improved as a player at this club. I'm really settled now. My home life is good and I have no reason to leave, so I would like to sign a new contract. I don't think I'm doing anything differently though. It may sound boring but it is my job to perform to the best of my ability, and a lot this season is down to my team mates."

Kevin Keegan, however, is in no doubt that the 21-capped Dunne deserves a lot of the credit for turning his career around.

Says the City manager: "Richard is an international player and he had to take more responsibility the pleasing thing is that he wanted to do that. He has got a real chance of being a top player for a long time