Aston Villa: Paul McGrath a big inspiration for me - Richard Dunne

Sep 8 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“Paul McGrath was one of my heroes as well,” said Dunne.

“When he was still playing for Ireland I would always watch him. To do half as well as he did here would be amazing.

“He’s a person I’ve met a few times and I really respect him. Anyone you speak to in Ireland will tell you he is a legend.

“He is the best there’s been in Ireland for the last 20 years. He is a player who will always have to be lived up to.

“The likes of myself and the younger players coming through will always idolise him.

“I played in his testimonial. He is a really quiet, shy man who is really nice. He is liked wherever he goes.

“I’ve read his autobiography, I didn’t go as far as getting posters of him! I can understand why people still talk about him here because he will be spoken about in Ireland for the next 50 years I’d imagine.

“He was one of the world’s greatest footballers so for him to have played here and had the success he did was brilliant.”