Dunne eyes the rocky road to Dublin final

RICHARD DUNNE has targeted a return to his home city of Dublin later this season for the 2010-11 Europa League final.

The final is being held at the Aviva Stadium and Aston Villa’s Republic of Ireland international admits he would relish the chance to play in a big showpiece in Ireland.

Martin O’Neill’s men await their Europa fate on August 6 when the qualifying draw takes place in Nyon, Switzerland.

While Dunne concedes it is a tough ask to make the final, he says it is not out of the question.

“It would be really good to get to the final especially as it’s in Dublin,” the 30-year-old told the Aston Villa website.

“We did really well in the cups last year so I think we will have a decent chance.

“Who knows what will happen as the season pans out but looking at it now I think we have got as good a chance as any. You only have to look at Fulham and see where they got.”

While the Europa League final is many months away, more pressing for Villa and Dunne is today’s friendly with League of Ireland outfit Bohemians.

The match at Dalymount Park (kick-off 3pm) is Villa’s third match of the 2010-11 pre-season campaign and there is expected to be a large number of the club’s Irish supporters present – including members of the Dunne family.

“My family and friends are excited and looking forward to the game,” Dunne added.

“I am looking forward to it. I need about 50 tickets and then I’ll be alright. I have never played a club game over here so it will be nice.

“Everybody here in Ireland has missed not supporting anybody in the World Cup and they are looking forward to getting back and supporting a Premier League team. For my family it’s great me being here.”

Meanwhile Dunne’s impact since joining Villa from Manchester City last year has been hailed by former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton.

“Dunnie’s been a rock at Villa ever since he joined,’’ Staunton said. “That’s why Villa had such a good time last season – he was such an influence and a steadying character at the back.

“Richard is quite quiet as a person. He just goes and does his job. He will lead by example.

“He won the Players’ Player of the Year award for his performances last season – and that just about sums it all up. Players are usually the best judges.

“If you win that award it’s a big pat on the back. He did it about five years on the spin at Manchester City before he even arrived at Villa. He has added to the solidity at the back for Villa. That’s why Villa got to the semi-final of the FA Cup, the final of the Carling Cup and had such a great season in the Barclays Premier League.’’