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

Sep 8 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

McGrath believes the former Eastlands skipper could go on to be even more successful than his predecessors after arriving in B6 fully fit and without their infamous injury problems.

“I went from Manchester United to Aston Villa when I was exactly the same age, so he’s still got years ahead of him in the game,” said McGrath.

“I think I arrived in a bit of a knackered state and I know Martin Laursen had his injury problems, too.

“With Richard, Villa have got a real class act whose body is perfectly healthy and he can do even better. I think he could prove to be a real bargain.

“He’s going to serve Villa well. The fans took to myself and to Martin Laursen and I’m sure they’ll take to Richard too.

“I thought Martin was slightly better than me with his goalscoring record. With Richard, he’s a great defender, he reads the game well and he’s as hard as nails going into the tackle. He could be the best player of all of us.

“He has not got a great record with his red cards [he shares the record for red cards in the Premier League with Patrick Vieira and Duncan Ferguson – all three men have collected eight], but that’s because he’s so committed and he’s cleaned up off the field.

“For a big man, he’s got pace as well. He’s a hell of a lot quicker than I ever believed he was.

“When I first saw him, I thought he wouldn’t be that quick and I thought he could be caught out a few times but I was wrong and I don’t think I’ve seen too many centre-forwards do him for pace.

“Of course, he’s great in the air and he’s a leader as well, so I think he’ll be great.”

Villa Park was like a little corner of the Emerald Isle during McGrath’s heyday with Steve Staunton, Ray Houghton and Andy Townsend also at the club during the 1990s.

“It’s strange that Villa haven’t had an Irish player for a while and it’s nice to have another one there now,” added McGrath.

“I might go over to see them more often now.”