GRID-IRON TEAM HELP DUNNE

RICHARD DUNNE is heading for a touchdown with NFL giants Cleveland Browns in a bid to save his Euro 2012 dream. Aston Villa defender Dunne (left) will jet out to the States and have treatment with the Browns as he recovers from a broken collarbone.

The Browns – owned by Villa chairman Randy Lerner – have agreed to treat the Ireland centre-half.

Dunne, 32, has been out of action since a bad fall in February against former club Manchester City and is facing a race against time to be fit for Giovanni Trapattoni’s Euro mission this summer.

Villa boss Alex Mcleish will allow Dunne to fly out and continue his rehabilitation in the hope of getting him fit for the Premier League run-in.

Dunne said: “I’ll be going to Cleveland for about a week to see the Browns’ staff there.

“The manager, the doctor and the fitness coach went over to Cleveland and the connection between the two teams is strong because of the chairman.

“Because of the nature of American football, the Browns have a lot of experience in dealing with the kind of injury I suffered, so any help I can get will be much appreciated.

“It will also be a great experience and a change of scenery for a week or so, which is important.

“It’s good to just change the environment and I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be a good week.”