Duffer News

[Beanie]

Damien Duff's chances of lining out for the Republic of Ireland against Switzerland in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier look to have improved.
On Monday, Irish boss Brian Kerr had rated Duff as only "50-50" to play but the Chelsea man took a full part in training on Tuesday morning.

Duff picked up a calf injury in Saturday's win over Cyprus.

Roy Keane is in line to play in Basle after making a quicker than expected return from broken ribs.

If Keane does come into the side, Graham Kavanagh could be the unlucky player to drop out.

Keane's Manchester United colleague John O'Shea was forced out of the Irish squad on Sunday evening after he sustained a thigh muscle tear against Cyprus.

With O'Shea out, the left-back slot appears to be a straight choice between Hearts' Alan Maybury and Liverpool's Steve Finnan.

[eirebhoy]

Just saw it on Sky Sports news. O'Shea is the only absentee so. He's made my day.

BTW, press conference live on SSN at 2.00!

[The Dillage]

Damien Duff took a full part in
training this morning in the St Jakob
stadium, Basel, ahead of tomorrow's
World Cup qualifier with Switzerland.

Duff had been expected to rest his
injured ankle today ahead of tomorrow's
vital game.

However, the ankle has been responding
well to treatment and the signs are
good that the Chelsea winger will be
fit to play tomorrow.