Man of moment Michael Duffy still harbours Ireland ambition

Derry City's Michael Duffy celebrates after the game. Pic: Tom Maher/Inpho

Michael Duffy hasn’t given up on an Ireland debut at 30 as he accelerates Derry City’s double tilt.

Heimir Hallgrimsson and his assistant John O’Shea were at Dalymount Park to see the flying winger score both goals of a 2-0 FAI Cup semi-final victory over Bohemians.

Duffy looked poised for an Ireland breakthrough during the spell of his former Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny but delays in his switch from Northern Ireland contributed to his absence.

Hallgrimsson admits experimentation is only permissible in these Uefa Nations League windows as he shapes his squad for next year’s World Cup qualifiers and Duffy is in explosive form.

Injuries have been a recurrent enemy of the flanker’s undoubted talent but he’s fully fit and in flying form as the Candystripes close in on a potential first title since 1997.

They also have the FAI Cup final on November 10, just four days ahead of Ireland’s game at the same Lansdowne Road venue as Ireland’s fixture against Finland.

“I definitely haven’t given up on an Ireland cap but my main focus is on Derry,” said the Foylesider about a possible elevation.

“That was trying to get to the Cup final and get over the line in the league. Ireland would be unbelievable if it comes but I don’t really think about it.

“I thought about it when there were talks a few years ago. I was close to getting in a few times but it was disappointing with the clearance and stuff happening.

“It took a while and I don’t really know what happened. I should have been in one of the squads and it didn’t happen for me.

“If something like that comes along, it would be unbelievable but it’s about winning games for Derry.” Duffy’s opener against Bohs – a free-kick from 25 yards which swerved into the top corner – was a reminder of his repertoire, which convinced Celtic to lure him from Derry just under nine years ago.

As it stands, the playmaker will be on club duty at the Ryan McBride Brandywell next Friday, rather than flying between Helsinki and Athens, as the final lap looms.

“They’re two good fixtures coming up at home next week because we’ve quite a good home record recently,” he said about the league matches against Bohemians on Friday and Sligo Rovers three days later..

“It’s been a mad league this year, especially the last few weeks with us and Shels dropping points. Nobody has taken advantage and there’s a lot of teams in the mix with five weeks to go. We’re still in a great position and we’ll focus on us; trying not to take any of that other stuff in.”