Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill hails ex-City star Dunne
Martin O'Neill has hailed the impact made by centre-back Richard Dunne at Aston Villa as he prepares to tackle former club Manchester City.[LNB] Dunne made the £6million switch to Villa Park after it became apparent the arrival of Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure meant his first team involvement would be limited at City.[LNB]He quickly tormented his ex-employers by scoring for Villa in a 1-1 draw with City in October.[LNB]Dunne chose not to celebrate the goal, received a standing ovation from the City fans and can expect a similar reception on Saturday.[LNB]The Republic Of Ireland international was named in the PFA Premier League team of the year at Sunday's awards.[LNB]But Dunne's main focus will be in trying to help Villa pip City for a Champions League spot and they are currently level on points with fourth placed Tottenham although they have played a game more.[LNB]O'Neill said: "Richard deserved the reception he got in the game at Villa Park. Manchester City would accept he was brilliant for them over eight or nine years.[LNB]"Richard Dunne was exceptional for Man City over a long period of time. He became an iconic figure. We are just delighted to have him.[LNB]"He has made an immediate impact coming here and he has been a really great signing.[LNB]"Richard was voted into the PFA team of the year which was a great boost for him. He would have derived a great deal of benefit and confidence from that."[LNB]O'Neill accepts Villa have to win their remaining two games to have a chance of finishing in fourth position.[LNB]But he can take confidence from his side having the second best away record in the Premier League after Manchester United.[LNB]He said: "Self belief can't be much higher. We have got over the debacle of losing 7-1 at Stamford Bridge a month ago, have fought back magnificently and given ourselves a chance.[LNB]"That is all we could have done from that position we were in. We will go to Manchester City with loads of confidence after taking 13 points from 15.[LNB]"We know we have to win and the only way we have been able to do that is going at teams.[LNB]"Our away record is terrific. People will say that is because we have pace in the side and are capable of beating teams on the break and I would not disagree with that.[LNB]"We are going into the game with confidence and with a chance of winning."[LNB]
