Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has been named Republic of Ireland international player of the year.

Dunne is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone but he took time out at the awards ceremony to express his desire to play again soon in claret and blue.

On receiving the award he was optimistic, saying: "I want to play for Villa before the season ends.

"Hopefully the finals are something we can all look forward to in the summer.

"It won't be easy but we are a tough game for anybody and they won't fancy playing us."