Duffy hopes Georgia can boost Republic’s chances

Shane Duffy was in philosophical mood after his first goal for the Republic of Ireland proved only enough to secure a World Cup qualifier draw in Georgia.

The 25-year-old Brighton defender got his country off to the best possible start in Tbilisi on Friday when he headed them into a fourth-minute lead, only for their hopes to unravel from that point onwards.

Duffy and his teammates were perhaps fortunate to leave the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena with a 1-1 draw.

Duffy is hoping Georgia can yet have a say in how Group D finally pans out with Ireland’s qualification rivals Serbia and Wales still to face Vladimir Weiss’ improving side.

Duffy said: “They dominated and we knew they could take points off teams because they’re a good team. That little final bit of end-product is probably what they don’t have and bigger countries do.

“For me personally, I’d say they’re better than some of the teams ranked above them.

“On paper, it’s not a glamorous team, but that was difficult, and at home it was too.”

The Republic host Serbia tomorrow in a game which is likely to prove pivotal to their hopes of making it to Russia next summer.

Serbia sit two points clear at the top of the group, with third-placed Wales two points behind Martin O’Neill’s side.