Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WE HAVE TO FIGHT BACK
Duffy: We’ll take frustration out on Serbs
SHANE DUFFY was over the moon to score his first Ireland goal but was brought back down to earth with a bang.
The giant Brighton centreback got Ireland off to a flyer in Georgia when plundering a fourth-minute goal and it looked like the night would be plain sailing thereafter.
But it was anything but as the Boys In Green once again demonstrated their extraordinary unease at protecting an early lead. Yet Duffy is not losing heart going into tomorrow’s clash with Serbia where a home win would put Ireland top with two games to play.
And the Derryman insists the players will channel their frustration from Tbilisi to good effect at Aviva Stadium.
“It’s not really anger, just disappointment as we know we’re a lot better than that – we didn’t lose the game which was important at the end,” he said.
“We were going for the win and could have ended up losing it so we’ll take the positives from that.”
Duffy, 25, bagged his first goal on his 11th cap but knows there was a touch of good fortune to his headed effort.
Climbing to meet Cyrus Christie’s deep free, Ciaran Clark flattened goalkeeper Giorgi Makaridze before Duffy connected.
But maybe it was karma as Duffy had a ‘winner’ against Austria ruled out in June for a foul on their keeper.
Duffy said: “I didn’t see it. I had eyes on the ball, I just got up early and beat him. I’m a little bit surprised because referees usually give the fouls over here but we got one.
“I thought we were going to go on and dominate. Obviously we reacted a little bit differently.
“It’s a tough place to come and we allowed them to dominate too much. We dug in deep. I know we shouldn’t be saying that but that’s what we did in the end.
“I think we can play better in terms of possession. But scoring my first goal for Ireland, I’m delighted. I was a bit sloppy on the ball in the second-half but I’m trying to get better.”
And it’s at home in Dublin where Duffy is convinced this team plays better and putting Saturday’s dross aside, he feels tomorrow night is set up nicely.
He continued: “We’re at home where we’re a lot more comfortable. I think we play better at home. Any away game in Europe is quite tough, no matter the name of the country.
“But we’re looking forward to a massive game tomorrow night which we can all focus on. That’ll take us where we want to be.
“If we go beat Serbia we’ll be top of the group.”