Sport

Defender Dunne released by Villa

RICHARD Dunne, Eric Lichaj, Andy Marshall, Jean Makoun and Simon Dawkins have been released by Aston Villa, the club have confirmed.

Republic of Ireland international Dunne, United States defender Lichaj and goalkeeper Marshall are all at the end of their contracts and have been released.

Dunne, 33, did not play for Villa boss Paul Lambert last season due to injury and ended a year of misery by coming on for the final 25 minutes of Sunday's 4-0 international friendly victory over Georgia - his first action since June last year.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has already shown an interest in bringing the experienced defender to Parkhead, although he admitted his age could count against him.

Lennon said: "We have made no formal or informal movements as yet.

"Richard has had injury problems and hasn't played for a long time, so I don't know what kind of condition he is in.

"And the way we have been signing players over the years, he would fall out of that category, but he is a player I have known a long time and have always liked."