I see Richard Dunne has been named in the starting 11 for Ireland in tomorrow's qualifier against Sweden. Lets hope he doesn't get injured. The fact he is playing on a regular basis for his club has helped get him back in the team. Pleased for him.
As good as he's been for us, do they really not have two better centre-halves or are there loads of injuries?
His central defensive partner is John O'Shea = disaster. Did you see the penalty he conceded at the weekend V Palace?
We're not blessed with centre backs In Ireland. The days of McGrath, Moran O'Leary etc are long gone. Think you're being a little harsh on Dunne, as I believe he's still quality.
You've obviously not seen Dunne playing for Ireland. He's easily been our best defender in an entire generation. So good in fact, you could argue he's been Ireland's best player of the last decade (Keane and Given would be the other contenders). His performances during the last campaign were outstanding and he almost single handedly qualified the Country for the Euro's - in a defensive capacity I mean. I'm not sure the non-Irish lads on here realize just how good an international player he has been. And why would they in fairness?
Will be interesting to see how he goes against Ibrahimavic (spelling) he really is the Swedes only genuine world class player when he wants to be.....If they play route 1 Dunno should be in his element.....
As long as he don't get injured it will do him good, as he is still a little short from being 100% match fit after so long out.
I'm well aware how good a player he's been and, on his day, still can be. I'm just surprised there's no one considerably better, though there are a few Prem players. He is in form too, so it makes sense. Having had a look at the squad, I'm surprised how poor it is on paper. The midfield looks quite good except for Green who is pony. Everywhere else, on paper I should stress, looks surprisingly weak.
I'm sorry mate but reading that post, I'm afraid you just aint. The Irish lads will know what I mean.
A bit condescending. I've watched enough of Richard Dunne for club and country to know he can play but at 33 pushing 34 I'm just surprised there aren't better options.
I realized that before I clicked the "post" button but I went ahead because I genuinely believe you just don't know how good that player has been for Ireland. Colossus wouldn't be too strong a word. Fair point regarding his age but considering his form being head and shoulders above everyone else, he won't be dropped until he's totally clapped out.
Watford To answer you question, no there isn't. Swords is bang on the money when he says how good of a player he has been. At times he has almost been a one man defence for us. His performance two years ago away to Russia was genuinely one of the best defensive displays I have ever seen. With no disrespect to Hill, out defence has being crying out for a leader with his experience. Many fans on this side of the pond would regard Dunne as being one of the best and most consistent defenders in the Prem over the last ten years. He got club player of the year for five years in a row while at City. I genuinely think that many of our fans do not realise how lucky we were to get him. Although he probably only has about 18 months left, IMO, he is the best defender we have had at the club in years.
Apologies if you think us Irish lads are being OTT about Dunne but he's a living legend in Irish footballing terms.
I'm sorry, I realise that this will make me unpopular with many, but I just don't see Dunne as an international-class footballer. To me, the first requisite for playing football to international standard should be a reasonable level of ball control and passing ability. Dunne just doesn't possess these qualities.
Looking forward to seeing him perform for both club & country - hopefully whilst on international duty he doesn't blow a gasket on his motor, or worse still the big end!
