Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says Shay Given and Richard Dunne will bring vital experience to his team next season.
Dunne and Given have been given extra time off after taking part in the Republic of Ireland's disappointing Euro 2012 campaign, and their return to training will be their first chance to link up with their new boss.
The centre-back and goalkeeper received praise from Lambert for their achievements both at Villa and across their careers, and their club manager said that their trip to the Euros would still be an honour for them.
Lambert has spoken to both players, and says that he is confident that Ireland's poor tournmant this summer will not affect his players' performances this season.
"They're two experienced lads," Lambert told the club's official website. "They're not kids and they've been round the course before.
"I spoke to the two of them earlier on in the Euros. It was a hard tournament for them, with what happened.
"They've done great for Villa in the past and had fantastic football careers let alone anything else. They've been over the course before and once I see them I'll have another chat with them.
"Shay and Richard have had two fabulous careers at both international and club levels. Shay has about 955 caps and Richard has a lot too. They know the game.
"They aren't young kids. They know the high level of football it is, which is great. It's a great honour for them to have taken part in a major tournament.
"OK, it might not have gone the way they wanted it to go but they were still part of it. I am pretty sure the experience will be good."
