Alan suffered a frustrating time with injuries, including a fractured ankle that ruined his 2002/3 season. He made his senior debut at Sheffield United in March 2002, and in spite of further appearances at first team level in 2003/4, injury intervened whenever he seemed to be on the verge of establishing himself.

However, Dunney's patience was finally rewarded during 2004/5 as he became a regular member of the squad and scored his first senior goal in the 2-1 win against Gillingham in October, having successfully switched to a wide midfield role. Blessed with great pace and energy, Dunney has also slotted into the centre of midfield more recently.

Lions debut: v Sheffield United (A) 19th March 2002