BBC SPORT | NORTHERN IRELAND | Dunne shines again in Dublin

Richard Dunne is being hailed as the Republic of Ireland's new Mick McCarthy after another wonder-show by the brawny centre back who can't get a game with Everton.

Not that the 21-year-old defender has any designs on McCarthy's management role, but he's become the nearest thing to what Big Mac was as a player - when captaining the Irish in an international career spanning 57 caps.

A big stopper is what Ireland have lacked since the days of Jack Charlton's golden era.

However, Dunne's contribution to a 2-0 World Cup win over Estonia at Lansdowne Road, following his heroics that helped earn magnificent draws in Holland and Portugal, proved to 34,900 fans he can fill the void.

Big role

It is a big role, but then again Dunne is a big lad, a six-footer with the build of a heavyweight boxer.

And as well as adding the modestly-talented Estonian strike force to his list of scalps, after taming superstars Patrick Kluivert in Amsterdam and Luis Figo in Lisbon, he showed a scoring touch as well.

Mick McCarthy says Dunne should leave Everton

The Republic were ahead by only Mark Kinsella's sweet 25th-minute strike - his first in 18 internationals - when Dunne, who used to be nicknamed 'The Honey Monster' because of his bulky figure, hit a honey of drive for the clincher five minutes after half-time.

It was so powerfully struck that when it hit Mart Poom in the ribs, Estonia's Derby County goalkeeper could only watch the ball rebound away over the line.

Breath away

"I thought I could keep it out," said Poom.

"But there was so much power in the shot it took my breath away."

Dunne said: "I was delighted to score. I caught the ball just right and it really flew.

"I know it hit the keeper first but I'm claiming it - no doubt about that."

Scored twice

Dunne has now scored twice in five internationals - he also netted against Mexico in a three-match summer tournament in the United States - and that's as many as McCarthy managed during his entire international career.

McCarthy said: "When somebody else other than Robbie Keane or Niall Quinn scores it is a bonus for us because we need other people chipping in with goals rather than rely on the same ones.

I've nailed Mark Kinsella this week, telling him it was about time he scored and I'm delighted he managed it

Mick McCarthy

"I've nailed Mark Kinsella this week, telling him it was about time he scored and I'm delighted he managed it, but I've had a word with people like Kevin Kilbane and Damien Duff as well.

"They should be adding goals to the bits of magic they are capable of achieving."

Great position

Ireland now have five points from three games and that is a great position to be in before their next qualifiers away to Cyprus and Andorra in March.

McCarthy said: "A lot of people never thought we'd get that from these first three games, but they've had to change their minds.

Mark Kinsella: his first goal for Ireland

"Richard was outstanding again. He can't get into the team at Everton and he's on the transfer list.

"That amazes me and I've told him that if he gets a chance to move he should take it.

"You want your international players performing regularly at club level and that's not happening for Richard, but he's been terrific for us.

"Some players just seem to relish coming away and playing international football and maybe he is one of them."


	^^ Back to top
	Front Page \| Football \| Cricket \| Rugby Union \| Rugby League \| Tennis \| Golf \| Motorsport \| Boxing \| Athletics \| Other Sports \| Sports Talk \| In Depth \| Photo Galleries \| Audio/Video \| TV & Radio \| BBC Pundits \| Question of Sport \| Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> \| BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII\|News Sources\|Privacy