Source: Team_Talk
Villa boss delighted with Dunne
Dunne spent nine years with City after moving from Everton in 2000 but the arrival of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott during the summer transfer window saw him slip down the pecking order.
He finally made the move away from Eastlands in a £6 million deal on the final day of the transfer window and has formed an impressive partnership with another newcomer in James Collins.
Dunne takes on City in Monday's Premier League clash at Villa Park and O'Neill said: "I am delighted with the new players that have come in. They have helped us shore up a few defensive frailties.
"I was delighted when Richard joined us. It was a difficult move. He was part of the furniture at Manchester City for a long time.
"He was their player of the year for four or five consecutive years and then suddenly he is surplus to requirements.
"We were delighted we finally managed to persuade him to come here. He had a few things to think about.
"Leaving Manchester City was obviously his biggest pang and actually coming to join us wasn't a major decision, or so he said.
"I am very pleased and I think his experience and know-how will help - and is already helping - the rest of us out."
O'Neill added: "I've liked his attitude. I've also liked James Collins and what he has done so far.
"I think he is a centre-half who can play the ball and we've felt a bit more comfortable at the back.
"As they bed in, they will get better. At the moment, it has worked out okay."
O'Neill admits he will put more emphasis on rotating his players this season after the events of last term when Villa ran out of steam in March after operating with one of the smallest squads in the Premier League.
O'Neill said: "I do want to be able to do a little more rotating this season possibly because of what we experienced last season when we came to February-March time.
"There is also the realisation that, for the last two years, we've used less players than anyone else (in the Premier League) and last season we played 12 more games in all competitions than the year before.
"The Manchester Uniteds Chelseas, Liverpools, Arsenals have all been used to getting through the first part of the season, always staying in the Champions League, knowing that February, March, April and May are big months.
"They are always coming through because they have a decent squad and top quality players and, as well, great men in charge.
"I think it is also important to have competition because it keeps people on their toes."
O'Neill believes his side are starting to make Villa Park into a fortress after last season's poor form in front of their own fans and the surprise opening day defeat to Wigan during the current campaign.
He said: "We've had a run of home wins and that is naturally very important for us. I have never really felt that the players have been apprehensive about playing at home.
"But, I suppose, when you go out and haven't won a game or two you might have thought you could have won, then maybe there is a bit of apprehension."
Midfielder Steve Sidwell is still battling to overcome a thigh strain after missing the Carling Cup clash with Cardiff and the league reversal at Blackburn last weekend.