Richard Dunne today welcomed news of reserve run-outs for John Carew and Robert Pires after admitting Villa need more experience in the ranks.

A crippling injury list has given club’s youngsters a chance to shine, but Sunday’s loss at Blackburn left Dunne pining for some older hands to help out.

Carew played his first game following a four-match absence for the reserves against Albion yesterday afternoon, while Pires was also given further match practice.

Both will now be bidding for a taste of the action against Pires’ former club Arsenal on Saturday and that will not be before time for Dunne.

He said: “Sometimes you just need that added bit of experience that would help us, especially away from home when things aren’t going so well.

“It’s just a case of trying to get people back, hopefully Emile Heskey and John Carew as well will get also back in to add more experience to the squad.

“If you look around and can see players who have played hundreds of Premier League games sitting on the bench or being involved, it will help the younger lads even more.”

Sunday’s setback hurt Villa after the momentum of their previous performance against Manchester United and added to the general frustration around the club at the moment.

Dunne said: “It’s very disappointing. We want to get our season going and we just can’t at the moment.

“Every week when the manager names a team someone has to pull out. Unfortunately on Sunday, Marc Albrighton missed out which was tough with the way he’s been playing.

“That’s the way it is and we can’t do anything about it until January. We’ve just got to dig in and wait for the senior players to come back.

“We’ve tried our best and we’ve fought, but it comes to the stage where it does become obvious that we’re down to the bare bones.

“Chris Herd’s come on and he’s only been back training for a week, the same with Isaiah Osbourne.

“It’s hard for the players who are coming into the team, because some of them aren’t even match fit, but they’re all trying to make a name for themselves and they’re all giving 100 per cent.”