Ciaran Clark wants to keep pal sidelined
Ciaran Clark today revealed he would like to continue to learn the tricks of the trade from experienced Villa centre-back Richard Dunne.
Ireland international Dunne,32, is out of contract next summer and was strongly linked with a £3m switch to Stoke in the last transfer window.
The move never materialised and Villa boss Paul Lambert recently confirmed that Dunne is still in his plans with Clark eager to pick up tips on the art of defending from his compatriot.
"I can't really comment on what's going to be going on with Dunney but I'm hoping I can learn a lot more from him," said Clark.
"He's an influential player. I've been here for four or five years since he's been here. Every day in training I've managed to learn little bits off him, and he's spoken to me about the game and gave me advice about what I can do to keep on learning.
"He's brilliant Dunney. He's been there quite a while and I've learned so much from him. I'm hoping I can keep learning from him and I'm sure he will help the young lads improve their careers as well."
Clark, 23, also conceded that Dunne, who is currently in rehabilitation from a groin surgery, will be a threat to his place when he recovers from injury.
"Everyone has got to (a threat), to be honest. There's a lot of good players in the squad now who can play all across the back four. When you look at the squad now, no-one can take a place for granted at all," added Clark.
"There's so much competition and you can see that every day in training. Everyone wants a place in the squad and that can only be good for Villa.
"Richard has got a bit frustrated with his injury because he's one of the guys that wants to be playing week in, week out. He doesn't like to be sitting on the sidelines, he's a warrior, he will play through whatever he can to be on the pitch.
"It must be a frustrating time for him, but hopefully it won't be too much longer before he is back, and then that will add further competition for everyone so that will be brilliant."
* Ciaran Clark was speaking to the Express & Star at Villa's EA Sports FIFA 13 Pro Player Tournament. FIFA 13 is out now on all formats including PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360 and iOS.