Richard Dunne has set his sights on being as successful at Aston Villa as legend Paul McGrath. McGrath played for Villa for seven years after leaving Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland defender became a cult hero with the Villa fans.

New signing Dunne said: "Paul McGrath was one of my heroes.

When he was still playing for Ireland, I would always watch him. To do half as well as he did here (at Villa) would be amazing.

"He's a person I've met a few times and I really respect him. Anyone you speak to in Ireland will tell you he is a legend.

"He is the best there's been in Ireland for the last 20 years. He is a player who will always have to be lived up to. The likes of myself and the younger players coming through will always idolise him.

"I played in his testimonial. He is a really quiet, shy man who is really nice. He is liked wherever he goes.

"I've read his autobiography. I can understand why people still talk about him here at Villa because he will be spoken about in Ireland for the next 50 years I'd imagine.

"He was one of the world's greatest footballers so for him to have played here and had the success he did was brilliant."