Duo's lack of action not a worry for Kerr

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr will turn to Damien Duff and Robbie Keane to kick-start his side’s World Cup qualifying campaign – despite the duo having less than two hours of Premiership football behind them this season.

Although Chelsea winger Duff has recovered from dislocating his shoulder twice in the space of six months last season, there is some suggestion in west London new manager Jose Mourinho is far from convinced about the 25-year-old.

Duff played a much-needed 90 minutes in the Republic’s last friendly against Bulgaria last month but for Chelsea the 33 minutes he played as a substitute in the 2-1 victory at home to Southampton on Saturday was his first run-out under Mourinho.

Keane, meanwhile, is seemingly fit again after an ankle ligament injury, but the 24-year-old only returned to action a week ago in a 1-1 draw at West Brom.

After a 23-minute appearance at The Hawthorns, Keane at least followed that by starting in the 1-0 win at home to Birmingham on Saturday and playing just over an hour, much to Kerr’s surprise and delight.

But with so little playing time under their belts, it is Keane and Duff who will almost certainly start up front on Saturday for the opening group four game with Cyprus at Lansdowne Road.

Kerr is unfazed. He said: “Knowing Robbie’s injury, I always felt there was a decent amount of time for him to return. From the start, once I had spoken to both Spurs and Robbie, I believed there would be a chance – but I didn’t want to be overly optimistic.

“I’ve since been delighted with the progress he’s made. He got on against West Brom and then he started on Saturday, which I was surprised about.

“All the reports had indicated Jermain Defoe and Freddie Kanoute had been playing well, but that’s not my concern. We’re just delighted he’s playing again.

“As for Damien, I know he is another who has not had an awful lot of football since he returned from injury, but I thought he looked sharp against Bularia. I’ve had a good look at the highlights from Saturday’s game and it seems there is no lack of sharpness, and his confidence is there for all to see. I’m happy he is looking well.”

Kerr also has no concerns over Andy Reid, despite the Nottingham Forest midfielder’s failure to land a big-money move to the Premiership prior to Tuesday’s deadline.

Spurs had long been linked with Reid, but the transfer failed to materialise, leaving the 22-year-old still at the City Ground until at least the window re-opens in January.

But Kerr is convinced Reid will not be lacking in motivation or confidence for the matches against the Cypriots, and then the Swiss in Basle next Wednesday.

“He’s been very good for Forest and his attitude last year when they were struggling was top class,” stated Kerr.

“He was consistently their best player, and I think he has started well this season. From the reports I’ve had, he’s been playing well.

“If he is disappointed, I’m sure he will quickly put it to one side, get on with it and do his stuff.

“He will perk up quickly enough and I don’t have any doubts about him performing on Saturday or Wednesday if required – anyway, he’s young yet to be worried about getting transfers.”