Damien Duff says he doesn't regret his decision to leave his post on the Republic of Ireland coaching ticket and said he would continue to work for Irish football "in a different capacity."

Duff was announced as Stephen Kenny's assistant manager in April last year but abruptly left the position last month. 

Speaking on RTÉ's Champions League coverage ahead of tonight's clash between RB Leipzig and Liverpool, Duff was reluctant to be drawn on the reasons behind his departure but said he would have been "unhappy" with himself had he remained in the position.

"I don't really have a lot to say on the matter," Duff told RTÉ's Darragh Maloney. 

"I know I've made the right decision, because not one day has passed where I have regretted it. I know it's not ideal for the manager, but at the same time, it's a chance for him to bring in a better coach than me.

"He's done it already on the goalkeeping side, he's brought in Dean Kiely, a great guy who'll bring great energy to the squad. He's a top coach whose coaching at the top level of the Premier League every week.

"At the end of the day, the only person that has lost out really is me by walking away. You're soon forgotten so staff and players, I'm sure, don't have a problem now. It's all water under the bridge.

"Because I've walked away, I've given up the chance to represent my country, which is a massive, massive honour, the chance to coach elite players, which doesn't come around very often.

"And I've probably lost a lot of focus as well, which a lot of ex players will tell you that you need that in your life.

"I felt strongly about things and I would have been unhappy with myself if I'd stayed, it's as simple as that.

"I know football people want to know, but I just want to keep it private."

Duff, who made 100 senior appearances for Ireland between 1998 and 2012, insisted he hadn't let his country down and said he was determined to work for Irish football in a different role, particularly in youth development. 

"I can't hide in my house forever because I left the FAI, no way. And people will say I've let my country down. I've let nobody down here.

"I'll continue to dedicate myself to Irish football in a different capacity, by coaching young players and improving young players, and hopefully improving myself as well.

"But all I've ever done since I wore the Irish shirt from 14, under-15 is dedicate myself to Irish football and I've never let my country down, and I will continue to work for Irish football in a different way."