Damien Duff is set to make his League of Ireland debut on Monday.
The former Ireland and Chelsea winger will make his first appearance for Shamrock Rovers against Cork City at Tallaght Stadium, after returning to full training last week.
Duff was on the bench for Friday’s 3-1 win away to Longford Town, and announced at a press conference today that Monday’s fixture is likely to be his first in Irish domestic football.
“The plan wasn’t to go on (against Longford), just for the gaffer (Pat Fenlon) to get me down there and to be involved” the 36 year old said.
“I feel good out there training after being out for so long but I’ve really only trained three times in the last seven months, so I’ve no right to be expecting to last 90 minutes or even 10. But I’m back training and that’s good.”
Duff also said that it was an easy decision to join Rovers. “It’s the biggest club in Ireland and the best manager in Ireland. It’s brilliant, very professional.
“I felt like a bit of a spare for a bit there but that changes once you get out training and get involved in everything.”
And, when asked what effect he’d have on the league, Duff said he wasn’t sure, but that he’s excited about finishing his career back home.
“I just want to come back home and play at the highest level there is and that’s the Airtricity League. I always thought that it would be nice to finish my career here and that’s what I’m doing.
I’m looking forward to it.”
H/T The Irish Times.
