Ireland is a shop window for Villa's Richard Dunne

The stopper, who will be released by Villa next month, faces Georgia on Sunday, almost 12 months since his last game at Euro 2012.

Dunne has been sidelined with hip and groin problems since Ireland's 2-0 defeat by Italy in Poznan last June.

The 33-year-old was with the Republic of Ireland squad for their 1-1 draw with England on Wednesday and boss Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed he will feature in Dublin.

Trapattoni said: "Yes, sure. He will probably play some time in the game. Whether it's better to start or play later in the game, we will have to decide."

Dunne had three operations over the season to try to cure his problems and has failed to feature under Paul Lambert.

His contract expires on June 30 and will not be renewed as Villa look to ease their wage bill.

Dunne, who has made 114 appearances for Villa since a £5m from Manchester City in 2009, has been linked with relegated QPR.

He will be followed out the exit door by fellow Irishman Stephen Ireland who will hold talks with Villa about his future next month.

Ireland captain Robbie Keane sympathised with Dunne and the former Wolves striker revealed his team-mate's desperation to play again after his long-term absence.

He said: "I know he wants to. I have been rooming with him, so I know he is desperate to play.

"It's been a frustrating season for him. Obviously he hasn't played since the Euros, so I know how much it means to him.

"To come back and hopefully even play 20 minutes or something like that would certainly be good for his confidence.

"Then he can see where he is himself because it's been a tough year for him with his injury."

Meanwhile, Villa will go to League Two new-boys Newport County on Sunday July 28 in a pre-season friendly.