Euro 2012 Squad Ladder

PAUL BUTTNER

RICHARD DUNNE has targeted Aston Villa’s visit to West Bromwich Albion on April 28th for his comeback, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni said in Dublin yesterday.

The 32-year-old central defender is recovering from a fractured collarbone suffered against Manchester City in the middle of February.

While Dunne was always confident he would be back playing by the end of the Premier League season, yesterday’s news confirmed he is ahead of schedule in his recovery, easing any doubts of his availability for Euro 2012.

Should he indeed return against West Brom, Dunne would have two further games, at home to Tottenham and away to Norwich, to boost his match fitness ahead of teaming up with the Ireland squad before the send-off friendly with Bosnia on May 26th.

“I was in touch with him and he said ‘Mister I am well. I am confident that I play maybe the last game in April for Aston Villa’,” said Trapattoni. “He answered me [on Monday]. Every two or three days I call him and ask him to answer immediately.”

The Ireland manager had a morale-boosting message for his Wolverhampton Wanderers contingent of Kevin Doyle, Stephen Ward, Stephen Hunt and Kevin Foley, who are facing the prospect of relegation. Wolves are six points adrift at the foot of the Premier League table after five straight league defeats.

“They are last in the table, but we can give them enthusiasm,” said Trapattoni. “The last time they came with us they were a little bit disappointed, but we have the possibility [to lift them] because they must believe us and our system and mentality. It is another team and another situation.”

The good form of Sunderland winger James McClean continues to give Trapattoni something to contemplate as he finalises his 23-man squad for Poland.

“Yes, he scored and plays well,” said Trapattoni of McClean. “And also [James] McCarthy. I have 50 DVDs. Every day I look, Norwich, Wigan and Sunderland and they play well. He goes always now with confidence, McClean.”

Asked about the final make-up of his squad Trapattoni gave a broad hint that McClean, in particular, is playing his way into contention.

“These names you said, McCarthy, McClean, that is important.

“It is not difficult,” added Trapattoni on having to disappoint some players. “I am sorry because it is my duty to choose. I am sure they deserve to come. Not only 23, at this moment 28 deserve to come. For me it will be disappointing and I am sorry, but it is my duty to choose this 23, that is our job.

“We have also one or two or three options. Sure, it’s a pity that I have to let one or two options out at this moment.”