Dunne can be a big hit for Aston Villa says Paul McGrath

Sep 8 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

CLARET and blue legend Paul McGrath reckons Richard Dunne can follow him into Villa folklore – because the new defender has called time on his own bad-boy behaviour off the field.

While McGrath’s reputation as a lovable rogue further endeared him to Villa fans, he believes Dunne’s decision to grow up in recent years has turned him into a class act.

There are plenty of parallels between the players with both Republic of Ireland centre-halves joining Villa at the age of 29, having been ruthlessly discarded by their Manchester clubs.

But McGrath’s Irish eyes are smiling at the £6million capture of his compatriot, because the Holte End icon is particularly proud that Dunne has learned from his mistakes.

“A few years ago, I was hearing one or two things about Richard that weren’t great,” said McGrath.

“He was a bit of a bad lad but someone sat him down and told him to be a proper footballer or carry on messing about and ruin your career.

“He’s decided to go the right way and thank goodness he has, because he’s been unbelievable.

“I think Kevin Keegan had a quiet word with him and turned him into a much better player. He decided to stop larking about and going out and doing the wrong stuff. He decided to concentrate on football and since he’s done that, he’s been Ireland’s best player.

“I think he’s been one of the best City players for years and I’m amazed they’ve actually let him go to another club who are up and coming and who could be challenging them this year.

“Mark Hughes can buy any player he wants now but I think he might regret selling Richard Dunne because I think he’ll turn out to be an excellent signing for Aston Villa.”

Chants of ‘Ooh Aah Paul McGrath’, and ‘It’s Your Round My Lord’ are regularly heard emanating from the Holte End in honour of the former Manchester United defender’s God-like status at Villa Park.

Martin Laursen received similar adulation from fans when, just months after his retirement, he made a quick return to his former stomping ground to be a television pundit for the victory over Fulham.

Dunne has already inherited McGrath and Laursen’s famous No.5 shirt and has been tipped to follow the adored duo into the Villa faithful’s hearts following his deadline-day move last week.