Duff is key man for Trap

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is eager for Damian Duff to bring his club form to the international stage.

The Italian named the Fulham winger in his squad yesterday for next week’s friendly against Brazil.

Trapattoni also selected Wigan midfielder James McCarthy and Manchester City defender Greg Cunningham, both 19, and 22-year-old Portsmouth centre-back Marc Wilson for the first time, as the Republic prepare for their first match since controversially losing out to France in their World Cup play-off.

Trapattoni’s side will take on Brazil at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Tuesday March 2, with the South Americans expected to bring a strong squad to London.

Duff has impressed since his move from Newcastle to west London, scoring a fine individual equaliser in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Birmingham.

“I saw a great goal,” said Trapattoni. “Duff was fantastic (on Sunday).

“Not only the goal, his entire situation. He can play now, he’s confident. Duff is very important for us.”

Duff is one of several senior men in the party, which also includes record scorer Robbie Keane, currently enjoying a decent run of form during his loan spell at Celtic.

John O’Shea misses out due to the leg injury he sustained against France. A blood clot formed, which has kept him sidelined since, and the Manchester United defender may not play again this season.

Celtic defender Darren O’Dea is left out, as are Hibernian’s Liam Miller and Anthony Stokes.

Trapattoni is eager for his players to put the frustration of losing to France behind them.

Thierry Henry’s handball in the second leg, as he set up William Gallas for the goal which decided the tie, was painful at the time but the veteran Italian coach wants to move on.

He said: “I look forward to working with my squad again after the disappointment of Paris.

“The priority now is to build on the progress made during the last campaign and prepare ourselves over the coming months mentally and tactically for an important Euro campaign.”