News

Damien Duff has called time on his Ireland career, after making 100 apperances during a distinguished spell with the Boys in Green.

By Declan Whooley

The Fulham player had been expected to continue his international career for one more campaign, but the 33 year-old has informed Giovanni Trapattoni of his decision to call it a day.

Having played with Ireland’s successful youth teams in the 1997 and 1999 World Youth Championships, he made his international bow against the Czech Republic in 1998.

Always a firm favourite with supporters, he was voted Ireland’s player of the tournament at the 2002 World Cup and got on the scoresheet against Saudi Arabia.

A permanent fixture in Irish starting line-ups barring injury, Duff has altered his game slightly in recent seasons in a similar fashion to Ryan Giggs. No longer reliant on blistering pace, he became a key part of Trapattoni’s defensive unit, offering his full-back extra protection while still causing no end of problems for full backs with his dancing feet.

One of Ireland's greatest servants, he will be sorely missed. Here is a reminder of perhaps of his best moment (and celebration) in an Ireland jersey.

Thanks for the memories Duffer, you'll be greatly missed.