Richard Dunne's seal of approval from Aston Villa team-mate James Collins

Aston Villa lionheart Richard Dunne goes into his big international date tonight with the seal of approval from the man who knows him best.

Dunne's Villa Park playing partner James Collins believes the Republic of Ireland central defender is back to his best after a troubled year under ex-boss Gerard Houllier.

The arrival of Alex McLeish banished Dunne's thoughts of leaving and has also been of benefit to Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Dunne gave an heroic performance in a vital draw in Russia which paved the way for the Irish to set up the two-leg play-off which begins in Estonia tonight.

And Collins said: "Richard is at the level where everyone knows he can be at. The first season he came in we played really well together and last season was a bit of a dip in form for both of us.

"But, from day one this pre-season, you could see he was going to start the campaign well because he looked really fit and was in a great frame of mind.

"I think that is showing from the way he is performing on the pitch at the moment and, on his day, he is probably one of the best defenders in the league."