• Premier League

Dunne and Ireland have Villa future - Houllier

ESPN staff
December 31, 2010
Richard Dunne has not been in the Villa squad in recent weeks © PA Photos
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Gerard Houllier has confirmed he is willing to give Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland a chance to revive their Aston Villa careers.

Both players were absent from the squad during defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City that have left Villa one point above the relegation zone.

Houllier insists that he decided to omit the players for purely footballing reasons, and that they will break back into the team if their form improves.

"They were out of the team because of football reasons only - they were underperforming at times," he said. "But Richard Dunne seems to have become better. At some stage there will be [a chance to return to the team] - probably. Sooner rather than later."

Houllier, whose position has come under scrutiny following a series of disappointing results, faces a crucial January as he bids to turn Villa's fortunes around. The club face crunch trips to fellow strugglers Birmingham and Wigan - and Houllier is adamant that he will be able to call on key midfielder Ashley Young.

Asked whether Young would be sold in January, he replied: "No, no way."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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