Snooze-worthy Duff can make the headlines

They reckon Damien Duff could sleep for Ireland as he apparently likes nothing better than a marathon nap.

But the Blackburn midfielder comes alive when he steps out on to the pitch and is now reckoned to be one of the most exciting young talents in the Premiership.

Manager Graeme Souness knows he has a diamond in his hands – and a fight to ward off would-be suitors.

Duff, 24, has blossomed in the Lancashire hills after coming through their youth system.

The boy from Ballyboden signed a lucrative four-year contract last summer following a splendid World Cup in the Far East.

Duff is no stranger to success on the international stage.

He first came to prominence in the World Youth Cup, scoring the winning goal to bring the Republic of Ireland the bronze medal in Malaysia in 1997.

Manager Brian Kerr, then the youth coach, recalls: “He was small but from the first training session I knew he’d be OK.

“I began to think not only will he be in the side, he’ll be our best player. He can fit into any tactical plan. But at times I’d give a team talk and say to Damien, ‘You heard that but now forget it – just go out and cause them trouble’.”

Duff has flourished the past three years after Souness replaced Brian Kidd.

And he maintained a high level of performance in the latter part of last season when he stayed injury-free.

Hamstring injuries have tended to dog him but from March to May he was in irresistible form.

He scored six goals in nine games as Blackburn clinched sixth spot in the table and a place in the UEFA Cup for a second successive season.

Duff was also in impressive form for his national team – where he tends to play as a striker rather than on the left wing.

He scored the winner against Norway in a friendly in March after finding the target in the victory over Georgia in a Euro 2004 qualifier.

Souness hopes playing in the UEFA Cup football will enough to persuade Duff to stay.

“Historically, goalscorers and really creative players go for the really big money. Damien is a really creative player and has the potential to be a top player, “ said the Blackburn boss.

“There’s not many of his type around and that’s why we value him at £20m-plus (€28m).

“Damien wants to play in the Champions League, which I understand because he’s a top-class player. He’ll get there one day and hopefully with us.

“He’s a big player, a top-class player and is beginning to realise that himself.

“He signed a four-year contract last summer so has three years to run. And it would have to be a ridiculous offer to prise him away.

“I do not want to work without Damien. As far as I’m concerned it’s vital that he stays.

“He is a fantastic player and a fantastic lad and I want to see him here for a long time.

“There have been games we have lost or drawn where we might have had more points with him in the side.”

Duff is ambitious but feels at home at Ewood Park.

“I certainly know I’m more than capable of holding my own among the best players in the world,” he said.

“I’ve always been confident in the ability I have.”

Veteran defender Craig Short knows the damage Duff can do.

“Damien is one of the most dangerous players in the Premiership,” he said.

“He will only get better and teams will come after him.”