Duff set to face Montenegro

Midfielder Damien Duff has returned to the Republic of Ireland training camp today.

The Fulham winger is expected to start against group rivals Montenegro on Wednesday after recovering from a calf injury.

Although Ireland’s place in the World Cup Qualifier play-offs has been assured after last night’s draw with Italy, the news will come as a boost to manager Giovanni Trapattoni as he seeks to mould his team for the crucial games ahead.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Damien Duff is with us and he said to me the injury has gone."

Midfielder Glenn Whelan is suspended for the Montenegro game after picking up his second booking of the campaign last night.

Trapattoni hinted he will make changes with five men - Shay Given, Aiden McGeady, Keith Andrews, Paul McShane and Leon Best - all on one yellow card and knowing another would rule them out of the first leg of the play-offs.

Given, along with Kevin Kilbane, is in line to win his 100th cap if selected.

The draw for the play-offs will take place next Monday with France, Portugal, Russia and Greece looking likely to be the four seeded teams against which the Republic could be drawn.