Dunne targeting top finish
Fit-again Aston Villa central defender Richard Dunne is targeting a top-10 finish in the Barclays Premier League.
Dunne has recovered from a dislocated shoulder and proved his fitness in playing 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland against Macedonia.
He is in line to face his former club Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, along with fellow centre-back James Collins who has recovered from a calf setback.
Collins and Dunne were fined two weeks’ wages for their behaviour towards members of the coaching staff during a team bonding session at a health spa three weeks ago.
Dunne said: “It’s been a tough season for us all and we know there are tough games still to be played but everyone is up for the challenge.
“We have eight games to turn this around and we’re all in it together, to make sure that the club secures a safe position and climbs the table to as high a place as possible.
“Everton will not be an easy place to go to try to begin this run but the incentive is there, with the table still being so tight, to grab a top-half finish. That’s far from beyond us.”
Dunne believes the international break came at the right time after the home defeat against Wolves.
He said: “Obviously, our confidence was knocked a bit by the result against Wolves. In that sense, the international break probably did us some good.
“I came through the game against Macedonia, there were no problems and now we’re back at it, all fresh and raring to go.
“To have come through 90 minutes for Ireland was really good and I’m looking forward to playing my part in these final eight games.
“The fans’ support will push us on and we’re determined to finish the season as strongly as we can.”
