Dunne: French won’t walk their way to South Africa

Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne believes the fact that France underestimate the ‘Boys in Green’ will be an advantage to Trap’s men.

Dunne showed his sense of humour when he answered a suggestion that “in France, people and some players think that Ireland is just Croke Park and fighting spirit. What are the other strengths of your team?”

The Aston Villa defender came back with: “That’s about it.”

However, Dunne believes that the French haven’t taken into account the skills of some of their players.

Dunne said: “We have the likes of Robbie Keane and Damien Duff. As a whole we are a tough team to beat.

“There is no doubt France are the favourites. If they come to Croke Park and think they are going to be allowed to just pass the ball around and walk their way to South Africa then we are going to come out fighting.”

France’s Bacary Sagna has said that the games will be ‘crazy’ in that the intensity will be similar to ones in the Premier League, something Dunne agreed with.

He said: “Yes, I think so. It will be all down to the atmosphere which is going to get the whole place going, I can imagine the whole city will be buzzing on the day.

“If we have 80,000 fans screaming us on, I think it will be a really good night.

Listen to more as Richard Dunne talks to Breakingnews.ie head sports reporter Shaun Cronin and the assembled media about the development of the team under Trapattoni and his respect for Thierry Henry.