Defiant Richard Dunne can save Aston Villa

WBA 0 Aston Villa 0

The Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given believes fit-again defender Richard Dunne will have a key role to play in the battle for survival.

Dunne, captaining Villa in the absence of Stiliyan Petrov, made his presence felt after being sidelined for more than two months with a broken collarbone by helping Villa to a clean sheet in Saturday's draw at Albion.

It kept Alex McLeish's side three points above the bottom three ahead of next weekend's home game with Tottenham and the trip to Norwich.

Given said: "It was amazing to have Richard Dunne back in the side. He had only trained a couple of times. For him to play was beyond the call of duty. His performance against Albion showed how immense Richard is for the club. Even just seeing him with the captain's armband on gave everyone a huge lift before the game."

Given produced a stoppage-time save from Peter Odemwingie's volley to deny Albion victory.

"It was a big save by myself at the end. I didn't have anything to do for most of the game and that is of great credit to Dunne and [Carlos] Cuellar in front of me."

Man of the match Dunne

Possession WBA 50% Aston Villa 50%

Attempts on target WBA 7 Aston Villa 5

Referee M Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Att 25,984