O'Neill hopeful Dunne will play against Chelsea
Martin O’Neill is hopeful Richard Dunne’s desire to play for the Republic of Ireland against Italy will not rob the Aston Villa manager of his services for the clash with Chelsea on Saturday week.
Dunne suffered an ankle injury against his former club Manchester City after finding the net in the 1-1 draw on Monday and he has been forced to miss training in the build-up to the vital World Cup qualifier in Dublin.
O’Neill is aware how much the 29-year-old wants to face Italy but is keeping his fingers crossed he reports back in fit enough condition to face the Blues at Villa Park.
O’Neill said: “He hasn’t trained the last couple of days. I’m just hoping that is precautionary and that he is available to play for Ireland.
“Richard was complaining of a sore ankle from a heavy challenge in the City game. He continued on in the game and was splendid but he was a bit sore.
“He desperately wants to play against Italy. I just hope that he is okay. Since he has arrived here, he has been splendid for us along with the other two new defenders in James Collins and Stephen Warnock.”
