Dunne Pole-axed after latest setback

Richard Dunne is due to undergo tests today to determine the full extent of his latest injury setback.

Despite having only just returned to training after undergoing three operations to cure hip and groin problems since the European Championship finals in the summer, Dunne had been on the cusp of making his long-awaited comeback for Aston Villa in Tuesday night’s clash against Newcastle United.

However, the centre-half complained of discomfort on the morning of the game and, having been subsequently ruled out of action, is now being checked out by the Villa medical staff.

Dunne was yesterday also officially ruled out of Ireland’s friendly against Poland on Wednesday, just 24 hours after it had been confirmed that Everton’s Seamus Coleman would miss the game with a thigh injury.

However, having originally named an extended squad, Giovanni Trapattoni won’t be calling up replacements unless there are further withdrawals between now and when the players gather in Dublin for the game.

The Ireland manager had always indicated that he would have preferred not to risk Dunne in the Poland game but the player’s latest injury flare-up effectively made the decision for him. And despite fears that he could now even be ruled out of the World Cup games in March, FAI sources stressed yesterday that, until the test results come through, it is premature to speculate on the seriousness or otherwise on the issue.

And with the club now in the relegation zone following that home defeat to Newcastle, striker Gabby Agbonlahor has admitted that Dunne’s issue has left Villa players in the dark. “He has been out for a long time through injury and I’m not sure what is going to happen with him,” he said.