Dunne facing Villa fitness fight

20 September 2010 10:46
Aston Villa central defender Richard Dunne is battling to be fit for new manager Gerard Houllier's first official match in charge.[LNB] Dunne limped out of Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Bolton at half-time with a knee injury. The Republic Of Ireland international now faces a race to be available for Wednesday's Carling Cup tie with Blackburn at Villa Park.[LNB]Kevin MacDonald, who has been caretaker boss for the opening seven games of the season following the resignation of Martin O'Neill, said: "Richard got a bang on the knee last Monday and did well to actually play against Bolton.[LNB]"It's too early to say whether he'll be fit for Wednesday."[LNB]Winger Stewart Downing suffered a gashed shin against Bolton but is expected to be fit for the third-round encounter - a repeat of last season's epic semi-final between the two clubs.[LNB]MacDonald said: "Stewart has a bad gash on his shin but he's fine."

Source: Team_Talk