Richard is Dunne being a loser as he prepares for semi-final with Aston Villa

RICHARD DUNNE wants to make up for double disappointment by helping Aston Villa to achieve FA Cup glory as they gear up for this evening's semi-final clash with Chelsea at Wembley.

Dunne had to suffer the agony of the Republic of Ireland being eliminated from the World Cup via Thierry Henry's controversial handball which led to France's winning goal in Paris. Then the first major final of Dunne's career ended in disappointment when Villa were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United in the Carling Cup despite taking an early lead through James Milner's penalty.

But Dunne is single-minded enough to look forward rather than reflect on what is now consigned to the history books as Villa look to avenge their 7-1 reversal at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.

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"We've been to Wembley and lost – and we don't want to experience that again," he said. "I suppose to lose a semi-final is a bigger heartbreak because you are so close to getting to a final. But we will be ready for Saturday's game. On our day we are as good as any team."

Meanwhile, Avram Grant maintains he has no option but to keep smiling despite all of Portsmouth's many problems this season, which could just end with FA Cup glory at Wembley.

Administrator Andrew Andronikou has revealed several Pompey players may not be available after tomorrow's semi-final against Tottenham because of expensive clauses being triggered in their contracts.

Grant will continue to approach what has proved to be the most testing job of his career in the right frame of mind.

"I will ask him (Andronikou]. I hope it is not true, but the situation with money here is not easy," the former Chelsea boss said regarding the contract clauses.

"But you either smile or you can cry – and I will not cry.

"There was not even one moment that I thought of giving up."