Richard Dunne backed for new start

Top prospect Ciaran Clark believes it's vital Richard Dunne can settle his differences at Villa and strike up a fresh start with new boss Alex McLeish.

Clark admits that Dunne is one of the key mentors in a Villa dressing room likely to be populated by even more of the club's promising clutch of under -25s next season.

With a limited transfer budget and two outfield regulars either gone or possibly going in Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, McLeish has begun his regime by admitting opportunity will knock for Villa's younger players.

Dunne's deteriorating relationship with ex-boss Gerard Houllier was a core reason behind Villa's troubled year and placed doubts about the Irish international's future.

But, having followed Dunne into the Republic of Ireland's team, Clark, who made big strides in defence last season, relishes his senior colleague's guidance.

The 21-year-old said: "Richard is brilliant. Both he and James Collins are great and, by training with them every day and playing alongside them, you can learn so much.

"I definitely have done so over the past few seasons and, hopefully, I will do for seasons to come. Things might change, you never know what might happen.

"Things can change quickly at a football club like this, but I want to pick up whatever I can from the experienced players and contribute whenever I can.

"Richard does speak to you a lot on the pitch and is always there to help you out. If you are struggling a bit, he is always on hand to give you a bit of advice or just have a chat with you and see how you are doing.

"He will try to guide you in the right way, which is what you want really as young lad and I can't ask for anything from Richard – he has been great for me."