Dunne looking forward

Richard Dunne insists he is ready to put the Republic of Ireland’s controversial World Cup exit behind him.

Richard Dunne insists he is ready to put the Republic of Ireland’s controversial World Cup exit behind him.

The Aston Villa defender is adamant he has “no feelings” regarding this evening’s World Cup Finals draw which will include Ireland’s conquerors France.

Dunne was spoken to on the pitch in Paris by Thierry Henry after his handball led to the goal which prompted Ireland’s downfall.

It was only afterwards that Dunne realised the extent of Henry’s involvement but there is no sense of bitterness from the ex-Manchester City player.

The 30-year-old is concentrating on trying to ensure Aston Villa have a successful season as they gear up for tomorrow’s home Barclays Premier League encounter with Hull.

Dunne said: “I’m feeling good. What happened is out of the system now. It has been and gone. I’ve had three or four games with Aston Villa since I came back from Paris.

“It was disappointing at the time and you can feel sorry for yourself the day after but then it is time to move on.

“As regards the World Cup draw, I don’t have any feelings for it. It doesn’t interest me.

“France will be drawn out against somebody. In June, it will be disappointing when the finals are taking place but today it is of no interest.”

As regards Henry’s conversation with him after the game, Dunne said: “I wasn’t aware of the handball incident when he spoke to me.

“I hadn’t seen it then. I only saw it in the dressing room afterwards on the computer.

“He sat down with me. He just said he’d handled it but he didn’t mean it. I hadn’t seen then how blatantly he had handled it.

“But it is one of those things. It is disappointing at the time but you move on. I had a game for Villa only two days afterwards at Burnley.

“You can talk about what happened and cry about it but it is not going to change anything and the Premier League and Aston Villa is what is important now.

“Yes, it was heartbreaking at the time but you have to concentrate again on club football and there is no point thinking about it every day.”

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

Manchester United v Arsenal FC - Premier League Defiant Erik Ten Hag expects to stay at Manchester United 
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Comment: Manchester City on brink of becoming greatest team in English football history
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Erling Haaland brace edges Manchester City closer to fourth consecutive Premier League title
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited