Houllier thankful for defensive duo

A MONTH on from their alcohol-fuelled quarrel with Gerard Houllier’s backroom staff, Richard Dunne and James Collins’ redemption is complete.

Collins scored the 24th-minute goal which lifted the recent gloom around Villa Park as the midlands club took a significant stride towards securing their Premier League status for next season.

Yet equally crucial has been the impact he and Ireland’s Dunne have had at the opposite end of the field, steadying a ship which had looked in danger of sinking after back-to-back defeats against Bolton and Wolves last month.