Sports Digest: A Dunne deal for Villa - Giovanni Trapattoni gets a huge boost as Richard Dunne returns to training

What's going on in the world of Irish sport

Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has handed Giovanni Trapattoni a huge boost and returned to training after his recent shoulder injury.

Dunne is expected to make his Villa comeback in the next week, and club boss Alex McLeish is delighted with his progress.

McLeish said, “It’s good news regarding Richard. He has rejoined the group for training. If he doesn’t make the game at West Brom this weekend, he should be ready for the Tottenham match.

“With a guy like Dunnie, and with what the modern day physical trainers and medical people do, the aim is to try and get the player up to speed so he can go straight back into the side.

“There should be plenty of preparation work for Dunnie so he can step straight back in.”

Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has confirmed that controversial Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will be in the squad that faces Ireland at the Euro finals this summer.

“I never really thought of doing this without Balotelli, as he is a focal point of the national team,” said Prandelli, who left the striker out of his squad earlier this year for disciplinary reasons.

“Have I made peace with Balotelli? Yes, although to be honest we never argued in the first place. I was pleased that he took responsibility with his statements after the latest incident at Manchester City. I like those who stand up and accept responsibility for their actions.”

Meanwhile, Ireland and Sunderland defender John O’Shea believes James McClean is going to be a “very special” player for club and country for years to come.

“James is going the right way about it and doing his talking on the pitch. If the manager does pick him all well and good,” said O’Shea as speculation mounts that Trapattoni could bring McClean to the Euros.

“To be able to cope with coming from the League of Ireland and not having a break, because he had a full season with Derry, and to carry on and kick on, shows how good he is.

“It is not just mentally, but physically as well. He has been able to cope with the demands of the Premier League. He has been a special player for us. It is an exciting thing for the fans to be talking about and to be seeing him playing the way he has been in the Premier League.

“The manager has his squad in mind and James is going the right away about it to get a chance of going to the Euros.”
 
Watt Stars

YOUNGSTER Tony Watt made a sensational first start for Celtic with two goals in the league win over Motherwell on Sunday and could now face Rangers this weekend.

“He is definitely going to be in our thoughts,” said coach Johan Mjallby afterwards.

“If the boy comes on and scores twice for you in a very tough game against Motherwell then obviously he is going to be in our thoughts.

“We had Georgios Samaras out, Anthony Stokes didn’t get on, we have Mo Bangura, Pawel Brozek and Gary Hooper, so competition is there.

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Nster.com