Kenny Swain: The performances of James Collins and Richard Dunne crucial to Aston Villa's FA Cup dream

Apr 4 2010 by Andy Walker, Sunday Mercury

FORMER Villa and Chelsea star Kenny Swain has pinpointed Richard Dunne and James Collins as the key men for Martin O’Neill at Wembley next weekend.

With Villa and Chelsea set to go head-to-head on Saturday in the FA Cup semi-final, Swain will have split loyalties.

Birkenhead-born Swain started his playing career at Chelsea and spent five years with the club before going on to lift the Championship and European Cup with Villa.

The 58-year-old, now working as an FA coach with the England Under-16s and Under-17s, wouldn’t bet against a Chelsea victory, although he doesn’t envisage the tie to be as one-sided as his two former clubs’ last meeting.

And Swain feels that Villa’s centre-half pairing will play a major part in making life more difficult for rampant Chelsea.

Dunne and Collins endured a torturous day at Stamford Bridge last weekend as both gave away penalties during the 7-1 hammering.

But Swain is confident that they can bounce back.

“I think the key men for Villa will be the fellas at the back,” said Swain.

“The back four have been tremendous in the first and mid part of the season, although they’ve fallen away a little bit. Richard Dunne and James Collins will be key for Villa because they were the ones that struggled last week more than anybody.

“The team struggled all over the field but to have the problems they did was unusual, especially as Dunne is an outstanding defender on his day.

“It was a bad day at the office for them last week and I don’t think you’ll see that again.

“If they’re solid and remain solid then that will be something that they can build on.

“Martin will be planning to make his side much tougher and much more competitive through the middle and get back to relying on counter-attack effectiveness.