Richards: Terry’s all gold but he’s no better than Dunne

RICHARD DUNNE’S impressive form has been used in evidence by team-mate Micah Richards to back up his claim that the Republic of Ireland defender is every bit as good as Chelsea and England captain John Terry.

Club player of the year this past two seasons, the Dubliner was rewarded for his consistency by Stuart Pearce during the summer with the captain’s armband and his current form is vindication of the manager’s decision.

Impeccable in the side’s last Premiership outing, a 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium, Dunne was the pivot of a three-man defence with Richards on one side of him and the equally inexperienced Nedum Onuoha on the other.

Giving a performance described as ‘colossal’ by assistant manager Steve Wigley, he kept the Nicolas Anelka quiet all afternoon and Richards is quick to praise the 28-year for his input this season.

“Ever since I came to the club, he’s been quality. I don’t think he gets the credit he’s due. I obviously play with him week in, week out and I think he’s one of the best in the Premiership. I think he’s right up there with the likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand,” raved Richards

Having played alongside Terry on his England debut against Holland last November, Richards speaks from a position of authority and he credits Dunne for helping him ease into the City line-up this past two seasons.

“Richard’s a shy guy when you speak to him one-to-one but, as soon as he gets on the pitch he’s a different person. He speaks to you and encourages you and he’s played a big part in helping me. He’s played for his country. He’s done a lot.”

The only City player to feature in all 23 Premiership games so far this season, Dunne’s is a record that his Irish international colleague Stephen Ireland is aiming to emulate.

Though seven of the Cork midfielder’s 12 appearances this season have come from the bench, he has started four times since City embarked on a six-match unbeaten run on St Stephen’s Day.

Better was to come last Tuesday night when the 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 2-1 FA Cup third round replay win over Sheffield Wednesday at the City of Manchester Stadium.

With Steve Staunton’s Irish side facing into three crucial European Championship qualifers in February and March, the form of the two City men is an encouraging sight.

“Stephen’s been doing well,” said Richards who lives only three doors away from the Irish man. “He obviously scored the other night and he’s played for his country as well. He’s done really well the last few games and, hopefully, he can keep that going in the future as well.”

Like Ireland, who is two years his senior, Richards is a product of the City Academy and his call-up to Steve McClaren’s squad late last year was vindication of Pearce’s willingness to thrust youth into the spotlight.

“Not many managers would give a youngster his chance at 17, but he gave me mine and I’m thankful for that,” said Richards who has been at the club since he was 14. “Hopefully, I can repay him for that.”

Linked with a move away from Manchester during the current transfer window, Richards has already gone a long way towards that by quashing rumours linking him to Chelsea.

Having lost Shaun Wright-Phillips to Stamford Bridge two summers ago, it was another massive boost to Pearce’s plans after midfielder Joey Barton had also shunned the prospect of leaving Eastlands for pastures new.

“The club is going forward all the time and we’re unbeaten in six games,” Richards said. “Hopefully, we can keep it going and have a good run in the FA Cup.”