Tardelli relieved after ‘scary’ ordeal

THE plight of Shane Duffy dominated all thoughts at the Irish camp in Malahide yesterday as news of the player’s recovery allowed a shocked squad to regain focus on tomorrow evening’s game against Paraguay at the RDS.

“We are happy now because we know his condition has improved,” said Assistant Manager Marco Tardelli.

“It was a big emotion when I met his father because I have a son the same age as Shane. It was very scary and his father was very upset. The players are very sad because Shane is a good boy. I think if it’s possible during this week we (the squad) will go to the hospital to meet him.

“We know everything is okay and now we are relieved. This was not a normal injury but he can start again. He is very young and the young are fearless. He is only 18. In one or two years he will be a very good player.”

Keith Andrews, one of the more established names – along with the likes of Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and John O’ Shea – who linked up with the squad yesterday, flew into Dublin on Friday night and only learned about Duffy’s injury on Saturday morning when his mother heard the news on the radio.

Said the Blackburn man: “Themanager was on the record as saying over the last couple of days that it’s just football at the end of the day and that’s all. Someone’s life here was in danger and that takes priority over anything.

“We can only wish him all the best and hope he comes back sooner rather than later because by all accounts he’s a fantastic player and a lovely lad. It puts it all into perspective, doesn’t it? Okay, it’s the crème de la crème playing for your country, which I’m sure he will do, but if you don’t have your health you don’t have anything.”

Looking ahead to the World Cup finals, Andrews confessed that Ireland’s absence was still a “bitter pill” but showed nothing but generosity of spirit towards Lassana Diarra – the French player with whom he famously clashed in the play-off game at Croke Park – who has been ruled out of the tournament through illness.

“I’d never wish ill on another footballer,” said the Dubliner. “That’s being genuine. I’m sorry to hear he’s not going to play because I knew what it meant to me to play in the World Cup and I’m sure he feels the same.”

The latest injury news on the Irish front is that Keith Treacy has pulled out of this week’s squad as he continues to recover from a hernia operation and Eddie Nolan is a doubt with a knee problem but, while Kevin Doyle (sore throat) and Cillian Sheridan (calf) sat out training yesterday, they are both expected to available for selection tomorrow night.