Dunne sets training return

Dunne has been sidelined since initially suffering the setback with the Republic of Ireland during their Euro 2012 campaign and has not played since. But the 33-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract, is finally hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"The last operation I had seems to have really worked so I'm hopeful that I'll be back soon," Dunne told the Birmingham Mail.

"I've set a few targets but I keep missing them.

"It's frustrating when I can do all the running and the rehab but not the final bit.

"But I'm hoping - fingers crossed - that I can start training in a couple of weeks.

"I've got to see the doctor and from there, hopefully it will be the all clear."

Dunne has endured a frustrating period with injuries during 2012 after suffering a broken collarbone which caused him to miss the final part of last season.

He said: "I've been lucky not to have too many injuries during my career but it's been almost seven months where I've not been fit."

Source: PA

Source: PA