Kevin Keegan believes Richard Dunne has been "to hell and back" but is finally proving his real value as a top Premiership defender.
Dublin-born Dunne has had more than his fair share of problems since he arrived at Everton as a schoolboy, and now in three years at Manchester City. But Keegan believes the Republic of Ireland international has finally seen the light and is producing the best form of his career.
Dunne, who spent four years coming through the ranks at Everton before being sold to City in 2000 for £3 million sterling, returned to Goodison Park on Sunday and emerged as man of the match.
Everton threw all their available strike power at him - Wayne Rooney, Francis Jeffers, Tomasz Radzinski and finally Kevin Campbell - but the centre-half took it all in his stride as the sides fought out a goalless draw.
Keegan was delighted, having stood by Dunne through a catalogue of problems over recent seasons.
Keegan said: "I do not mind people singling Richard Dunne out, he has gone to hell and back over the last couple of years, everybody knows that. But he is back, and right now he is showing the potential he showed years ago when he was at Everton."
PA