Hunt to take Duff's place

Damien Duff was tonight ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy through injury.

The 30-year-old Newcastle midfielder has returned to England for treatment after damaging a hamstring in training and has been told he will be sidelined for eight to 10 days.

His place in the side to face Bulgaria at Croke Park on Saturday will be taken by Reading’s Stephen Hunt.