Duff has revenge in mind

Damien Duff is itching to get stuck into Israel on Saturday as the Republic of Ireland embark on a revenge mission.

Chelsea winger Duff will return to competitive action for the first time in almost six weeks with the World Cup clash against the Israelis at Lansdowne Road.

Duff missed Chelsea’s last six games of their Barclays Premiership title-winning season with a hamstring injury, but following two recent friendly outings is again firing on all cylinders.

The 26-year-old played 77 minutes of a 1-0 victory over Suwon Bluewings in South Korea 11 days ago for Chelsea, and followed that up with 45 minutes for Ireland in Sunday’s 1-0 warm-up win over Celtic for Jackie McNamara’s testimonial.

But while friendlies are one matter, competitive matches are another, and Duff is eager to help Ireland make amends for the 1-1 draw in Tel Aviv at the end of March.

Ireland were denied the win by an injury-time equaliser from Abas Suan, resulting in a deflated feeling in the Republic camp after the match, and with many players commenting on how the draw felt more like a defeat.

Now the aim is to put that right as Duff, who proved a pivotal figure for Blues manager Jose Mourinho throughout the campaign, said: “It’s been a tiring season and I’ve played a lot of games, but it’s not over yet.

“But I can’t wait for the game on Saturday. I wish it was tomorrow because when a break comes I end up getting itchy feet after a week or so.

“I just want to get back into it. I don’t like lazing around. I’m football mad. It’s all I do, and it’s all I love doing.

“Israel is a really tough game, and a huge game because they are up there in the group, but we owe them one after what happened over there when they scored in the last minute.”

With the Faroe Islands to follow next Wednesday in Torshavn, there is the feeling boss Brian Kerr’s side have to win both matches if they are to reach the finals in Germany next summer.

With just a point separating the top four teams in France, Israel, Switzerland and the Irish, Duff at least feels under Kerr they are heading in the right direction.

“We have to get six points from the two games over the four days – nothing else will do,” insisted Duff.

“We have at least managed to get off to a good start in the group. There are some tough teams in there, but Brian Kerr has done a brilliant job.

“He has brought on a lot of good, young players which is exciting for the future and it would be brilliant if we did qualify for the World Cup, for us and for the fans.”

Ireland’s hopes were today further enhanced by the fact goalkeeper Dudu Awat is rated very doubtful after sustaining an arm injury in training, while playmaker Yossi Benayoun did take part in the session at their current base near Colchester, but has flu.