IT’S DUFF TO TAKE

MICHAEL DUFFY’S imminent international call-up will leave Dundalk in a Catch 22 situation.

The best player in the League of Ireland this season is out of contract at the end of the season and Dundalk have been down this road before with the likes of Richie Towell, Daryl Horgan, inset, Andy Boyle and Patrick Mceleney – briefly – all leaving on frees.

Shamrock Rovers – who have identified five players they want to sign for next season – are willing to make the flying winger the highest paid player in the league.

But international recognition with the Republic of Ireland will spark increased interest in the ex-celtic man from across the water.

And Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny is braced for it.

“Michael has a Scottish agent he has been speaking to him and we would like to keep him,” he said. “He knows that and we’ve had a conversation for almost the last year. I think Michael would like to stay but we’ll have to see. I’m not sure.”

Martin O’neill has confirmed he wants Duffy on board as soon as possible but it will be November at the earliest before paperwork is cleared with FIFA.

Duffy previously represented Northern Ireland up to U21 level and was in a senior squad under Michael O’neill two years ago but remains uncapped.

Kenny said: “That’s Michael’s personal decision and it’s whatever he wants to do. I’d never try to influence a player one way or the other.

“The players have to go with whatever way they feel themselves.

“It’s good that players from the league are being considered.”

From Horgan and

Boyle to James Mcclean, Kenny has seen a number of his former players crack the Republic of Ireland squad.

“I’m very fortunate that there’s a great group at the club and we’ve had some very talented players who are a joy to work with,” he said.

“Michael and the players’ attitude has been great. We’re not perfect. We’re looking to get better. “But Michael has done very well. It’s only at the start of last season that there were a lot of questions and people were saying that he probably wasn’t good enough for us. “When he came in first, people were saying ‘what does he do?’ And what were his strengths and was he ready for Dundalk at that time? “But he has been a breath of fresh air, so laid back – very laid back guy. He takes everything in his stride and always wants to get forward.” Duffy scored Friday’s late winner in Limerick – a win that saw the Lilywhites moves six points clear at the top after Cork City’s surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Sligo Rovers. Kenny added: “When the ball is played to his chest out on the wing, his first instinct is not to take it on his chest and turn back inside but to chest it past the opponent.

“If it’s in the air then he actually heads it past him and he is on the move.

“For a full back he’s an absolute nightmare to mark because he’s so direct and so dynamic. Full backs hate that and he can go inside or outside.

“He’s difficult to mark.”