Move to happier surroundings good for Duff and for Ireland

THE story is told of someone trying to convince Damien Duff of the merits of doing more in the way of media and publicity. All the presumed benefits were ticked off: higher profile, good PR, a few more bob, blah de blah.

Duff listened politely to the whole spiel and when it was over responded with just one question: “But will it make me a better footballer?”

We could well ask the same question of Duff’s move to Newcastle United, arguably the biggest transfer surprise of the summer. The leaving of top heavy Chelsea was hardly a shock, but many of us had long had the Dubliner nailed on for a shirt at Anfield or Old Trafford, places which had the look of the perfect home for the most naturally gifted Irish player of his generation.