Chelsea star makes Ireland tick-Avraham Grant

June 2, 2005

Israel manager Avraham Grant has underlined the importance of Chelsea winger Damien Duff to the Irish game-plan as he prepares his side for the task of taking on Brian Kerr’s men in Saturday night’s big qualifier.

Duff will be fit to take his place for Ireland despite missing the final six games of the Blues’ Premiership-winning season with a hamstring problem.

And Israel chief Grant feels that his side will have completed half the battle if they can shackle the former Blackburn Rovers star.

He said: “Duff is one of the top players in Europe. The Irish game goes through Duff. He is a great player who is always looking to improve himself. He is a winner and an outstanding footballer.”