Should Duff Retire From International Football?

[White Noise]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7820123/



Ireland want Duff to play on



Tardelli keen for winger to remain in international fold



Last Updated: June 16, 2012 4:34pm




Damien Duff: Ireland keen for winger to remain part of the international fold

Marco Tardelli has called on Damien Duff to prolong his international career as the Republic of Ireland bring the curtain down on their Euro 2012 campaign.

After the heavy defeats by Croatia and Spain, Ireland tackle Italy in their final Group C encounter on Monday night with question marks over the future of a number of their senior players.

Italy need to win in Poznan if they are to stand any chance of making the quarter-finals, and find a side managed by compatriots Giovanni Trapattoni and his assistant Tardelli standing in their way.

Trapattoni has already indicated he will not make wholesale changes in an attempt to avoid any accusations of handing the Italians an advantage and Duff will win his 100th cap if he is selected.

Goalkeeper Shay Given has admitted the time could be right to step aside after the tournament, while Robbie Keane plans to play on, with Tardelli hoping the 33-year-old Duff follows the lead of the Irish skipper.

Future

Tardelli said: "Damien Duff is a very good lad and he is a very good player. For us, he has been very important for this team, in qualification, against France and against the other teams.

"We need him for the future because he is a very important person for all the players and the younger players."

The Republic trained in Gdynia on Saturday morning and there was a brief concern when central defender Richard Dunne appeared to injure his back, although Tardelli was not too worried.

He said: "Richard Dunne took a knock, but it is not a problem."

Tardelli is confident Ireland can play with a freedom against Italy, rather than the apparent fear and tension which blighted their earlier displays.

Nervous or afraid

He said: "Yes, we will play with less pressure. We want to put the pressure on the other team.

"Many players are playing for the first time in an important tournament. I think some players have felt nervous or afraid. Against Italy, there is no pressure."

Ireland have a good record against the Italians under Trapattoni having not lost on any of the three occasions on which the teams have met, the last of which resulted in a 2-0 friendly victory.

Tardelli added: "We have played Italy many times and we have won and we have drawn. We hope to win or draw again.

"Italy at this moment is very strong because they played very, very well against Spain, and I think our players need to be proud to beat this Italian team."

[Fernhurst]

Yes ...... and take up his new role as impact sub!

I beleve the match against Italians will be his 100th cap.
A lovely round number to retire on

[Me-ate-Live, innit??]

Duff's already on the long mile for both club and Country

[Berserker]

I actually thought he was one of their better players.  He does look a bit haggard for a 34 year old in that pic though.

[EJL]

Alba didn't get in once against Ireland purely because of Duff tracking every single run.

[Jack Fulham]

I don't think he will, Duff strikes me as one of those players that plays football because he loves it. Can always see his passion in games. He's also one of the richest footballers I think but he still seems pretty determined to play.

[HatterDon]

Johnny Mathis - It's Not For Me To Say (Original Stereo)

[MasterHaynes]

I still think he would make a great Right Full back, offering us something we have not had for many years, a player that can defend yet still get down the line and get in a good cross, maybe even chip in with a few important goals as well.

I think he could play as Right back for a good few years yet with the added bonus being a great role model for the youngsters coming through, giving them the benefit of his knowledge and experience.

Now wouldn't that be something if we could get both Murphy and Duff on our coaching staff in the next few years.

[cusackdribble]

Have also been thinking Duff would make a great full-back for past couple of years

[White Noise]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/7825160/


Irish trio won't rush decision


Loyal servants to take their time after Euro 2012 disappointment


Last Updated: June 19, 2012 9:15am



Shay Given: Republic of Ireland will not rush into a decision about his international future


Republic of Ireland veterans Shay Given, Damien Duff and Richard Dunne will not rush into a decision about whether to retire from international football.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side bowed out of Euro 2012 with a 2-0 defeat by Italy, following on from previous losses to Croatia and Spain.

The manner of Ireland's exit from the tournament has prompted suggestions that it is time for Trapattoni to bring through a new generation of players.

Captain Robbie Keane will take time to consider his future, but reports have claimed that the LA Galaxy striker is prepared to play on for Ireland.

In the build-up to the Italy game, Given admitted it could be time for him to stand aside, but the 36-year-old goalkeeper will not make a snap decision.

Too soon

Given, who made a record 125th Ireland appearance against Italy, said: "It's too soon straight after the game to make any rash decisions.

"I'll sit down with my kids and my wife and my family when I get home and just see what the best plan of action is.

"Obviously, we've got a new manager in at Aston Villa - I'd like to speak to him as well - and see what the best plan is for everyone."

Duff wore the captain's armband against Italy to mark his 100th cap and the Fulham winger will also take time to consider the situation.

"I've said I'll play until 100 for Ireland if they'd have me," said the 33-year-old. "Sometimes, it doesn't work like that. So we'll see.

"It's more important to talk about the team and how we've done over the past month. Obviously disappointing - weren't good enough."

Aston Villa defender Dunne added: "It's very hard because we've been preparing for this and dreaming. You don't want to be thinking about the finish.

"As soon as this comes around, you want to play and concentrate on this.

"Now probably is the time for whoever has thought about it to have a month away and make a decision in a month's time maybe.

"You've just been hammered three times and you're probably just sick of football at the moment.

"You just want to go away and think about it and start again in July and, as far as this is concerned, see what happens."

[HatterDon]

Given was absolutely horrible against Italy. I think his ship sailed about two years ago. I don't know if there's a good young Irish keeper out there, but they need to replace him for sure. He hasn't been a #1 keeper since he left Newcastle.