Duff adds to Kerr's worrying injury list

DAMIEN DUFF last night gave Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr a headache he didn’t need in the shape of a knee injury as his squad assembled in Dublin ahead of next week’s World Cup clash with France.

Build-ups to international matches would not be the same these days if at least one player did not miss the first day’s training, but Kerr insisted last night that Duff, and his three other absentees - Steve Finnan (groin), Andy O’Brien (virus) and Kenny Cunningham (neck) - will all be fit and ready by Wednesday.

“Damien tweaked his knee in training with Chelsea and it’s a bit sore. He’s had some treatment in London and they feel that he’s going to be okay. I don’t know whether he’ll train in the next few days, we’ll see how it goes,” said Kerr.