Soccer: Fleet-footed Flood fends off Duff comparisons

HE might not be on any talent scouts’ hit-list as they eagerly search for the next Maradona, Figo or Ronaldinho at UAE 2003, for now Willo Flood is too busy fending off comparisons with Ireland’s greatest World Youth Championship product – Damien Duff.

Duff first came to our attention as Brian Kerr's U-20's crusaded to third place at the 1997 finals of this tournament in Malaysia. Ireland's best current player then sparkled again in Nigeria two years later despite being hampered by injury.

Like Duff, Flood is a waspish wide man, quick of foot and thought with an elusiveness dreaded by defenders.