Dunne keen to extend Hearts loan deal after falling in love with club
HEARTS defender Jimmy Dunne admits he would be delighted to extend his loan spell at Tynecastle after conceding that he is already missing being around the club.
The on-loan Burnley centre-half was ruled out for six weeks in the build-up to the December 2 loss to Rangers after damaging ankle ligaments in training.
Dunne has returned to his parent club for treatment and will not play again for Craig Levein’s team before his temporary deal expires in January.
Levein has already held talks with Clarets counterpart Sean Dyche about keeping the 21-year-old for the remainder of the season and Dunne insists he would be keen to return north of the Border.
Dunne, who joined in August as a replacement for injured captain Christophe Berra, said: “I must admit I’m missing the club already. It’s a strange feeling.
“I’m missing the lads. I’m missing the coaches and the staff.
“There is always the possibility I could come back. It’s not something I can think about until my ankle is better, which will take me past my loan deal.
“I didn’t expect to feel as connected to the club as I did. It happened really quickly and I just kind of fell in love with the club, and now I really feel a part of it.”
Following loan spells at English non-league and League Two level with Barnet and Accrington Stanley respectively last season, Dunne has impressed in the 14 appearances he has made in Scotland.
The former Manchester United trainee’s form even earned him a maiden call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad last month and the player admits he is thrilled how his career has developed north of the Border.
Dunne added: “I feel like twice the player I was before I came up. In terms of development, defending, getting on the ball, it was definitely the best place to come.”