Southwark News

Dunne deal at right back

Alan Dunne has set his sights on making a permanent return to his favoured position at right back and is determined to be ready to go for the start of the season.
25-year-old Dunney crashed out of last season with a broken toe back in March and has since seen first-choice right-back ruled out until at least Christmas.
The versatile and full-hearted Dubliner expects to settle in to the back four, having spent much of the past two seasons filling-in across the midfield.

With the loss of Danny Senda for much of the season, are you looking to slot back in at right back?
It is unfortunate what has happened to Danny, but I will be prepared and ready to slot back in to my favourite position. I feel right back is my strongest position and I have been there for the majority of my career. My game suits it well; I have got good pace and can get up and down well and, of course, am happy to make a challenge.

Has it been a problem playing in various positions in the past 18 months?
I have been pushed around a little bit filling in for injuries and suspensions and have not been able to settle in the same position for more than two or three games. I feel that has stopped a little bit of my progress and I am looking forward to the chance to put that right. But my first concern is to get playing and in the first team. I don;t care where, as long as it benefits the team.

Last season was cut short by a toe injury, how is it feeling now?
I am not far away. I had an injection last week and will get another on Monday, which are coming to the final part of my treatment. I am hoping that they will do the trick and prevent the bone movement that has been the ongoing problem. After that I should be getting back to full running.

Do you remember much about the tackle?
It happened about 10 minutes after Gary (Alexander) limped off - that was not a good game for us and injuries (Lews Grabban came off with a pulled hamstring). It was a 50-50 tackle that I have gone in for hundreds of times throughout my career, but I heard a snap and felt a little pain but carried on until half-time. But when I got back to the changing room and had a look, there was no way I could play on.

Will you be ready for a tough pre-season?
I will be a little bit behind as I have not been able to do any running on it yet, and can only do so much. But I am looking forward to getting the all clear, getting fit and will be raring to go for August 9.
Pre-season is always hard work, it has to be, but I am getting used to it now. There is no chance the boys will have been able to sit around all summer - Kenny (Jackett) wants us ready.

What chances do Millwall have of challenging at the right end this season?
I have said the same for the last couple of seasons, we have got to start on the front foot. Too many times the games slip away and before you know it you are forced to play catch-up, which is always difficult. If we notch up a few wins and a good points tally in the first 10 games then it sets you up nicely for the rest of the year.

Having made your debut in 2002, how does it feel to be one of the senior Millwall players at the tender age of 25?
Yeah, it's weird. A football career goes by so quick. I am now one of the senior Millwall lads and I quite like that responsibility. I am there to offer support to any of the new boys coming in that are trying to find their feet at the club and do what I can to help. I was there not long ago and it is encouraging to have somebody there to push you through it.

Are the new signings learning how to play the Millwall way?
It takes time at any new club, I imagine, with each set of fans and managers expecting different things. But at Millwall, the fans expect nothing less than 100 per cent commitment and heart and the rest is really a bonus. Once you get them on side, they are a massive help and you are free to play your football.