Roeder: Duff bid will fall on deaf ears

NEWCASTLE boss Glenn Roeder has warned Tottenham that any approach for Damien Duff will fall on deaf ears.

Republic of Ireland international Duff is closing on a return to fitness and reports are suggesting Spurs chief Martin Jol may test Newcastle’s resolve to keep the winger this month.

Duff only arrived at Newcastle from Chelsea in the summer and although he has not made the expected impact on account a couple of injuries, Roeder has no plans to let him move on.

“We have read the reports of Spurs wanting Damien Duff over the weekend, but we have heard nothing from them,” Roeder said.

“In any case, they must know they are wasting their time. Why would we sign Damien Duff in the close season and then sell him on before that season is over? We are trying to build a good squad here at Newcastle United and Duff is very much part of our plans.”

Meanwhile Wayne Henderson is set to replace the injured Shay Given in Ireland’s European Championship qualifier in San Marino next month.

Manager Steve Staunton has given his backing to the unsettled goalkeeper who is currently out of favour with Brighton — “for reasons other than football,” Henderson claims — and could be on the move to another club.

“I have no fears about Wayne and no worries about his ability to do the job,” says Staunton. “He didn’t let us down when he played against Sweden and the Czech Republic and I have every faith in him.”

Meanwhile, following the loss of Kevin Doyle through injury, it is widely expected that Staunton will include Anthony Stokes for the first time when he unveils his squad for the February San Marino game next week.

And there was good news from Sunderland yesterday on the Dublin teenager’s recovery from injury. Black Cats boss Roy Keane says he is hopeful that the 18 year old striker will be available for Sunderland’s next game – at home to Crystal Palace in a week’s time.

Stokes missed Sunderland’s win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday with a groin strain sustained in training on Friday, with fellow Irish international Stephen Elliott taking his place.

Keane said: “He has a while to recover and hopefully will be available for our next game. I don’t think it’s serious, but there was no way we were going to risk him (on Saturday).”