Jimbo 133 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Damien Duff has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy by a hamstring injury. Thursday evening's shock news was a massive blow to the Republic's hopes for the vital two qualifiers over the next week. There had been no hint of any problem with Duff's fitness. Previous doubts Shay Given and Aiden McGeady are available but their fitness will be overshadowed by Duff's absence. After a long injury-affected spell, Duff has returned to impressive form for the Republic in recent games. The Newcastle winger's withdrawal was confirmed by Republic assistant Liam Brady on Thursday evening. Duff is understood to have returned to Newcastle. Reading winger Stephen Hunt is likely to replace Duff in the starting line-up. Manager Giovanni Trapattoni is already minus injured defender Steve Finnan who misses out because of a hamstring injury. The Republic take on Group Eight leaders Italy in Bari four days after the Bulgaria game. The Italians edge out Giovanni Trapattoni's team by goal difference with both teams locked on 10 points after four games. The Football Association of Ireland are no longer having to consider making new travel arrangements for the Republic squad's trip to Bari. Airports in the Republic of Ireland had been expected to be affected by a nationwide strike on Monday - the day that the squad are scheduled to travel to Italy. However, the strike threat has now been averted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitman 2188 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Duff by name and Duff by nature Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dynamite 6082 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Jonas might get a game now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy 9 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Jonas might get a game now he's not fookin Irish ya plank! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stormrider Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Duff: –noun 1. organic matter in various stages of decomposition on the floor of the forest. 2. fine, dry coal, esp. anthracite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitman 2188 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Plum duff. Only seen once a year when gifts are handed out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wykikitoon 17034 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Jonas might get a game now he's not fookin Irish ya plank! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 Meh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shear class! 0 Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 Jonas might get a game now he's not fookin Irish ya plank! LMFAO! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewerk 26793 Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Should he not be back in Newcastle getting treatment rather than sitting on the bench in Dublin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khay 8 Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Should he not be back in Newcastle getting treatment rather than sitting on the bench in Dublin? Have they got a game midweek he could be fit for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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