Richard Dunne may be rested for the game against Burnley after returning from international duty.
Villa boss concerned about 'devastated' defender
Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne may be rested for the game against Burnley after returning from international duty.
The centre-half has returned to Villa after two gruelling World Cup qualifying matches against France, which the Republic of Ireland controversially lost in Paris on Wednesday.
Dunne had an excellent game for the Republic, but the match will always be remembered for Thierry Henry's handball in the build-up to the winning goal.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill revealed that Dunne may not be in the right frame of mind to face the Clarets and could miss the Turf Moor clash.
"Richard is very, very disappointed," he said. "He is pretty frustrated obviously with what happened and it is a real shame because Ireland were in a position to at least take the game to penalty kicks.
"It has been a devastating experience for Richard and I particularly feel for the experienced players in the side - the Dunnes, Givens, Duffs, Kilbanes and
Keanes - more than the younger boys.
"It is a big blow to them. He didn't train today and I'm not surprised. He has had two very heavy games, particularly the match on Wednesday, and then you are hit by the major blow of not making it to the World Cup.
"Let me put it this way, he won't get over it overnight. I will sit down with him if we get an opportunity to see how he is feeling.
"Of course, disappointment can be overcome but I will speak to him and see how he feels (about playing tomorrow)."
If Dunne misses out, Villa may well have a makeshift defence for the Premier League game on Saturday after James Collins pulled up in pain at the end of Friday's training session.
"James was on the training field this morning and felt some discomfort towards the end," O'Neill added.
"That was disappointing to hear and we will have to see how he is in the morning but I would say he is a doubt for the Burnley game."
