Injured Dunne facing layoff as he contemplates Ireland future

Richard Dunne looks certain to miss Ireland’s opening World Cup 2014 qualifier against Kazakhstan on September 7 — presuming, of course, he opts to continue his international career.

Aston Villa yesterday revealed Dunne will be out of action for six to eight weeks with a groin injury he sustained during Ireland’s ill-fated Euro 2012 campaign, a setback Villa suggested was not properly treated at the finals.

A statement on Villa’s website read: “Richard Dunne will also be out of action for six to eight weeks, having undergone a procedure on a groin injury which he sustained and was not dealt with during the European Championship.’’