Dunne: I’d welcome Irish duo to Villa

IF you’re Irish come into the parlour. Or, more precisely, if your name is Ireland or Keane there’s a welcome on the mat for you at Aston Villa.

That’s the word from Richard Dunne as he contemplates the possibility of both Stephen Ireland and Robbie Keane fetching up at Villa Park. Unsettled Ireland has just handed in a transfer request at Dunne’s former club Manchester City while Keane, although sounding determined to fight for his place at Spurs, could also be on the move, with the Birmingham club already floated as a possible destination for both players.

“Yeah, it would be great if Robbie came,” says Dunne, who says he’s spoken “once or twice” to the Irish captain about his situation. “A player we need is someone who can play in the hole and link midfield and the forward line. If Robbie came to us it would be great.”