Duff Set For Eire Return

Last updated : 17 August 2004 By Rich Godden
Duffer was named in the initial 18 man squad for the Man Yoo game, but was not even amongst the substitutes for the season opener. Jose Mourinho feels that, physically, Duffer is ready. But it is the mental side of things which is causing concern at Chelsea.

Mourinho revealed: "I don't think he is ready for it yet but he is an important player for Ireland and maybe the national team can help him get over the mental approach of a competitive game.

"He is not ready yet - I picked him in the 18-man squad (for the United game) because I wanted to put a bit of doubt in the opponents' minds. But he is working very hard. I tried to push him but he is not yet super-confident in his shoulder for competitive matches. He has to keep working."

Should all go well against Bulgaria, Duffer can expect at least a place on the bench at Birmingham on Saturday...