Duff key to Chelsea’s Russian Revolution

IT was no real surprise when Damien Duff left Ewood Park this summer — but few would have predicted him heading to west London.

The star of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup adventure in the Far East had become the jewel in Blackburn's crown as Rovers marched into the UEFA Cup last season, and one which seemed destined to be prized away from Graeme Souness sooner or later.

For a while it seemed the 24-year-old midfielder with a left foot to die for was set to continue to ply his trade in the north west, albeit in red, either at Anfield or Old Trafford.