Dunne allowed some extra time off

23 November 2009 19:08
O'Neill revealed prior to Saturday's Premier League clash at Burnley that Dunne was "disappointed and frustrated" by the "devastating experience" he and his Republic team-mates had been forced to endure in Paris last Wednesday.[LNB]Ireland were denied a place at next summer's World Cup finals after William Gallas' extra-time equaliser at the Stade de France, the goal awarded despite a blatant handball assist by Thierry Henry.[LNB]O'Neill admitted he would even consider leaving Dunne out of the Villa side to play at Turf Moor if that was what the defender wanted, but he ultimately played the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw.[LNB]However, the Villa boss believes now is a good time to let Dunne make a full recovery from the physical and mental exhaustions of last week.[LNB]O'Neill told the Express and Star: "Richard was obviously very down but I had a chat with him early on Saturday and he was keen to play.[LNB]"He got through the match but I will give him a rest for a day or two which I think he deserves."[LNB]Villa's next Premier League clash is at home to Tottenham on Saturday evening.[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk