Dunne plans to play on

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has been boosted by the news that Richard Dunne has no immediate plans to follow Shay Given and Damien Duff into international retirement.

The Italian and assistant Marco Tardelli held a meeting with the 32-year-old Aston Villa defender, who is currently recovering from a groin injury, earlier today and were encouraged by what they heard.

A spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland said: "Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli held a positive meeting with Richard Dunne today. Richard re-confirmed that he will be available again for international duty once he makes a full recovery."

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