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Aston Villa: Richard Dunne back to lift Paul Lambert

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Richard Dunne today handed Villa boss Paul Lambert a defensive fitness boost after he returned to first-team training and could even play before the end of the month.

moreIt was initially thought the experienced centre-back would be out until the Christmas period having suffered a number of setbacks with his rehabilitation from a groin operation.

But Dunne, 33, has made good progress in the past fortnight and was given the all-clear by Villa's medical staff to resume work the rest of the squad.

The Ireland international is unlikely to feature in the game against Manchester United at Villa Park on Saturday but is on target for a Premier League comeback later in November. "We'll see how he is. It was only Richard's first few days. It's his first time (training) since the European Championships really," said Lambert.

"Will he be back soon? I'm not sure really, because he's got to get up to speed with the training and get some games under his belt. He's still a wee bit away."

And Saturday's match-winner at Sunderland, Gabby Agbonlahor, is eyeing glory against United.

"We know it's going to be tough but we've got the team spirit and the hard work and hopefully we can get something out of them," said Agbonlahor.

"It's hard, but there are upsets in football and we'll be hoping to make one.

"He said to carry on working hard and the results will come and that's what happened at Sunderland. We played the right way, the right football and the result came."