Duff finds form at perfect time

Damien Duff, the Fulham winger, is discovering his form of the season at a perfect time as far as the Republic of Ireland are concerned.

Duff at his best would be a major asset for Ireland at the European Championships — and he was certainly impressive in a victory which added to Bolton’s concerns near the foot of the Premier League.

He was hailed as “unbelievable” by his manager Martin Jol after tormenting Bolton left-back Marcos Alonso and producing a pinpoint cross for Clint Dempsey to head home the crucial second goal.