Duff dummies before joining elite 100 club
Tonight at the Municipal Stadium here in Poznan, Damien Duff marks a significant milestone on his long journey from there to here, the Fulham winger set to join the Irish centurions’ club as he picks up his 100th cap. But will there be 101?
The 33-year-old said yesterday that he’d made his mind up about his international future but that this was not the time to make that decision public. A bit like some of the defenders he’s tormented over the years, journalists present were left uncertain about which way he’s going to go next.
It was an unprecedented sight in the stadium press conference room to see Duff sharing the top table, as Giovanni Trapattoni revealed that Robbie Keane had asked for the winger to be made captain for the night.
“I am happy to comply with Robbie’s request to pass the armband to Damien Duff on the occasion of his 100th cap,” said the manager. “All of us should express our gratitude to Damien, who is not only an excellent player but also a role model and example for future generations.”
Duff, flinching just a little, confirmed that he’d ended up in front of the world’s media under duress.
“I had to be dragged here kicking and screaming,” he said. “I’m never one to make a big thing out of anything in life and, so, though I know 100 caps is a feat, all I want now is to get a good performance and a result tomorrow. Of course it’s an awful proud moment but I’d take three points tomorrow before 100 caps. I’m sure I’ll look back on it and I do know how much it means to me and my family but I want to get on with the game now and hopefully do the business.”
Asked to nominate some highlights from his international career, Duff, with a rueful smile, replied: “I always seem to remember the lows rather than highs. The highs? My debut, first goal — although that took a while — getting to a World Cup.
“Lows? The France game away will never be remembered as a nice moment. As to what went round this time, I suppose we just weren’t good enough when it came to the crunch. So now we’re looking, as I said, to restore a bit of pride against Italy.’’
Sitting next to his old pal and team-mate, Keane said of Duff: “He will probably go down in history as one of the greatest Ireland players of all time. He’s such a great fella, very, very humble and does not want a fuss made of him.
“Me and Duffer started off at the same time but I am about 20 caps ahead of him. Unfortunately, he has had a few injuries along the way and to now get 100 caps is a credit to him.”
Duff, of course, is famously media-shy but shyness is not a characteristic for which he is known inside the camp. “I obviously know Duffer probably more than anybody on the team,” said Keane. “We go back a long way and we are great friends. Damien’s very, very quiet in front of the cameras and the media but off the pitch he is a real character and great company.”
Keane reckons the key to Duff’s longevity is simple: “It’s down to quality. Since he started at club level at the age of 17 he has been a top, top player. He has never changed and his desire and commitment for his country, and the hunger he still has for the game, is great to see.”
Another notable point to make about Duff’s continued importance to the Irish team is that he has always played in a particularly demanding role and in an area of the pitch where — with Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt and now James McClean as partners or rivals — the squad has been well-endowed with talented contenders.
“Yeah, we have been very lucky in that area,” Keane agreed, “but he has kept his place in the team even though we have had four or five top wingers.
“He is still there and still the same old Duffer. Of course, he has changed a bit as a player. I think as you get older and more experienced, you realise and understand the game a hell of a lot more than seven or eight years ago.”
And, on a touchingly personal note, Keane added: “We’ve been through a hell of a lot together. He has respect around the dressing from every player. People speak so highly of him. We’re very good friends and I thought it was only right for me to make this gesture. He’s been an absolute credit to his country and will go down as one of the best players we’ve ever produced.”
And so the question came about Duff’s plans for the future.
“I’ve made my mind up but now is not the right time to let anyone know,” he said. “I’m sure the rest of the lads know what I’m going to do. In regards to playing on well into my 30s, I don’t see that it will be a problem. I’ll look after myself.”
So will it be club but not country or still both? Knowing the pride he has in playing for Ireland, some came away with the belief that there’s more to come from Damien Duff in a green shirt. Others think tonight will see him bow out.
Typical Duffer, really. He finally makes a big media show — and simply leaves us begging for more.
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