Dunne enjoying fresh start

Published Sep. 6, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Dunne endured a fractious relationship with the former Villa boss last season and was disciplined by the club following an incident involving coaching staff at a health spa in March. However, Houllier's health problems saw the Frenchman replaced by Alex McLeish at Villa Park and Dunne is now enjoying playing for the club again. The Republic of Ireland centre-half has resumed his partnership with James Collins at the back and is pleased there has been a change at the helm. "I probably would have left if Houllier had stayed," the Republic of Ireland international told the Birmingham Mail. "But once there was a new manager coming in, I knew I had a chance to stay. "I spoke with him when he took over and he said he heard of stuff that happened at Villa last year. "He said if we recaptured our form, he wanted myself and James to be his main centre-backs. That gave us confidence right away." Despite his return to form, though, Dunne admits he would like to emulate international team-mate Robbie Keane and end his career in the United States. Keane has linked up with David Beckham at LA Galaxy and Dunne says a similar move would appeal eventually. He added: "I think it would be nice to live the lifestyle out there. If the opportunity came at 34-35, I'd definitely take it."