Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne has insisted that he has "no axe to grind" following his release from Aston Villa.

Having been unable to play for the last year because of an Achilles injury suffered at Euro 2012, Villa manager Paul Lambert recently informed the 33-year-old that he was surplus to requirements at Villa Park.

However, despite the fact that he has been released, centre-back Dunne has admitted that he holds no hard feelings towards his former club or manager.

"I have no axe to grind with Villa. They treated me well, spent a lot of money on my medical needs and made their decision once my contract was up," he told reporters.

"It was on the cards. Nothing surprised me about that. Paul wished me well. He's a fair man."

Dunne has recently been linked with a switch to Queens Park Rangers.