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Duffer is going Down Under to give it a lash
WHILE packing my bags for Brazil this week, inevitably my mind went back to my previous World Cup experiences with Ireland 12 years ago.
One of the real stars of our campaign was Damien Duff. Perhaps it is fitting as we prepare for the 2014 finals this week that Duffer is now setting off on a new adventure in his eventful career.
Quite often underrated, Damien was one of the best players Ireland has produced. He was named in the FIFA XI at the end of the 2002 tournament and had gone some way to earning his move to Chelsea the following year.
Before he came into the Ireland squad, we had all heard about this young kid who was setting the world alight at Blackburn. Jeff Kenna told anyone who would listen that he was unbelievable.
When he did make the breakthrough to the full squad, Damien would frequently take the ball from Shay in training, dribble past eight men and slip the ball in the back of the net. Jeff was right. He was unbelievable.
He went on to win titles and trophies with Chelsea but I am sure he will look back at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea as one of the main highlights of his career.
Very few Ireland fans will forget the image of his celebration after his goal against Saudi Arabia or his incredible performance against Spain before we headed home.
He always looked after himself and went from strength to strength after joining Chelsea. He had a fabulous career. Newcastle was the only real blip.
Unfortunately he was unable to make a full impact for Fulham last season and when he got injured their assists dried up. He was a big miss as they were relegated from the Premier League.
It is a shame for English football and the League of Ireland as there was talk of him going ‘home’ to Bray – but he is going to Australia and will probably end his career.
I bumped into him and his family in Dublin Airport last weekend and it was the same old laidback Damien.
He says he’s going Down Under to ‘give it a lash’ and enjoy himself. I’ve no doubt he will make a great impact.