Blackburn boss Graeme Souness has criticised Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy for playing Damien Duff for too long in last night's friendly with Denmark at Lansdowne Road. The Blackburn winger played almost all of the match last night and Souness, whose side face a difficult battle to avoid relegation, says Duff should only have been on the field for one half.
"I was thinking of ringing beforehand to ask whether Damien could play for no more than 45 minutes – but I decided not to bother, thinking common sense would prevail. Then the lad is left on almost to the bitter end - which is hardly fair on Damien or Blackburn, especially because this was only a friendly," said Souness.
The Blackburn boss was particularly angry it was Duff as the player has had some trouble with hamstring injuries in the past. "Damien is prone to hamstring strains - especially when he is tired - as are many players, including the likes of Ryan Giggs. We have two vital games in three days, so what are we left with now – the prospect of playing him for no more than an hour in either?
"It is unfair and it would appear that there is one rule for some clubs and one rule for others. Some managers ring up to say their player has a strain and pull him out. Other managers ring up with the same information only to be told to send the player along so that the international team's doctor can have a look," he added.
Filed by Tom Grealis
