Dunne's international future uncertain

Dunne played a role in the Republic of Ireland's EURO 2012 campaign in which it failed to qualify from its group for the knockout stages.

Now, Villa's centre-back admits he has a hard decision to make in the next few weeks.

When asked if he had considered retiring from the international game, Dunne said: "Yes, it has crossed my mind a few times. It's easy after a tournament, the way it has gone, to make a rash decision and say 'that's it'.

"But I just have to think about things. I was basically waiting to get back into training with Villa and then have a think, see how I feel.

"It's a hard decision, because it (playing for Ireland) is something I love doing, and I had a chat with Paul Lambert about it and asked him about it.

"He said it has to be down to me because if I'm not happy with the decision and I regret it, then it's no good. I've already spent four weeks thinking about it and still can't decide."

Lambert, meanwhile, is still looking to strengthen Villa's defence with Aaron Cresswell among his potential targets.

But Villa has yet to make a bid for the 22-year-old, who's currently at Championship club Ipswich Town.