Dunne: we’ll benefit from Paris pain

RICHARD DUNNE believes the Republic of Ireland can benefit from last year’s crushing World Cup exit at the hands of France, if they take the attacking attitude they showed that night, into the upcoming European Championship campaign.

The Aston Villa defender also thinks that Giovanni Trapattoni’s side should be looking at themselves as favourites in Group B as they attempt to qualify for a first major tournament since 2002.

Dunne insisted that, while he did admit to having a “little laugh” to himself over France’s disastrous World Cup campaign, the sourness over Ireland’s controversial exit last November has subsided.