Dunne poised to make long-awaited comeback

Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne is poised to return to training later this week after undergoing three operations this season.

Republic of Ireland international Dunne, who is out of contract at Villa this summer, has been sidelined all season by groin and hip problems.

Villa have sorely missed his experience at the heart of their defence, particularly during the absence of captain Ron Vlaar with a calf problem.