Hughes: Duff back to his best

THE playing career of Mark Hughes was just winding down at Blackburn when Damien Duff was coming through the ranks – and now the Fulham manager believes the winger is back to his very best.

Hughes played alongside Duff between 2000 and 2002, when the Republic of Ireland star was earning a reputation as one of the best natural wingers of his generation.

Duff’s superb form earned him a £17m (€20m), move to Chelsea, and two Premier League titles, while regular appearances in the Champions League’s latter stages duly followed.