Anderson hails "superb" Dunne

08 June 2009 14:25
Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne has been told to keep doing what he is doing after being compared favourably to the legendary Paul McGrath. The 29-year-old Manchester City star was a rock for Ireland in Bulgaria on Saturday night, despite having an injection in his knee before the game after missing several days' training. Both his bravery and his performance at the Vasil Levski Stadium prompted captain Robbie Keane and goalkeeper Shay Given to mention him in the same breath as McGrath afterwards. However, former international John Anderson, who played alongside McGrath for his country, has advised Dunne simply to play his own game and not feel under pressure to match the exploits of one of his most celebrated predecessors. Anderson said: "It's a big, big pair of shoes to fill, and that's taking nothing away from Richard Dunne. Richard Dunne in recent games for Ireland has been superb. He never lets you down and has a great level of consistency. "He is one of those players who must be a manager's dream, someone you don't have to worry about what he will do for you. But it's very, very unfair to compare him to Paul McGrath. You have got to remember Paul played a lot of football for Ireland in midfield, and I don't think Richard could do that."

Source: Eurosport