Hodgson optimistic over Duff
Sunday, 1 November 2009Damien Duff is likely to be fit for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off with France according to the winger's club boss Roy Hodgson.
Fulham manager Hodgson revealed on Saturday that Duff was substituted at half-time in their win over Liverpool because of a troublesome Achilles injury.
Hodgson is quoted on the BBC Sport website saying: 'It is very hard stopping Damien playing for the Republic of Ireland. You have to lock him in a cage.
'It is an injury he has struggling with for a while, it stems from his Achilles although it's a little bit more complicated than that.
The former Finland manager confirmed that Duff will play no part in the Europa League game with Roma on Thursday, but that he may be fit for Premier League action next weekend and that if 'he's fit for next Sunday then there's no reason why he shouldn't play for the Republic.'
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