Duff targeting Ireland’s best ever result in Paris showdown
FULHAM winger Damien Duff admits the Republic of Ireland will have to pull off their biggest ever result tonight if they are to reach the World Cup finals.
Duff and his team-mates must win in France in the second leg of their play-off, having lost Saturday’s first leg 1-0 at Croke Park.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle wide man insists the squad is confident of pulling off a shock victory, but concedes it would be an unprecedented achievement.
Asked if an unlikely triumph at the Stade de France would constitute their finest hour, Duff replied: “Ever, without doubt. We have taken an awful lot of positives out of Saturday. Other people may not have but we think we can go there and do it.”
Boss Giovanni Trapattoni is set to name the same team that was beaten at the weekend by Nicolas Anelka’s goal, meaning Duff will win his 80th cap. And despite his experience, the 30-year-old says he is facing a task unlike any he has taken on before.
“I don’t think I have gone away behind looking to resurrect a tie, so it’s new to me and I am sure it’s new to an awful lot of the lads,” he added.
“We still think we can do it, so bring it on. Away goals are a massive thing in football but, if we go over there and nick one, it is game on again.” France are set to be without injured trio Abou Diaby, Jeremy Toulalan and Eric Abidal.