Damien Duff could come out of his recent international retirement for Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign, says Marco Tardelli.
Assistant boss wants winger back in Ireland squad
Damien Duff could come out of his recent international retirement for Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign, according to assistant manager Marco Tardelli.
Duff called time on his 100-cap career in the Republic's last game of Euro 2012 and vowed never to return to the international arena.
The Republic, who also lost Shay Given to retirement this summer, will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in Kazakhstan without Duff this week, but Tardelli hopes the Fulham man could be persuaded to come back for the country's next qualifier against Germany in October.
"I know he has said he has retired, but I hope he will be back for the Germany game. It is possible," said Tardelli.
"I don't know if he will or not, but I always see him during Fulham's matches and I think it is possible, why not?
"He is a very good player. He said he has stopped, but I hope he will come back."
Experience
There has been no hint that Duff would consider a recall - he said recently that he was looking forward to watching Friday's game in the pub - but the 33-year-old's experience would help the nation's embattled manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
Trapattoni is under pressure after watching his team flop at Euro 2012 where they lost all three games and scored just one goal.
The Italian has also had to deal with an unwelcome barb from Everton midfielder Darron Gibson, who joined Kevin Foley in making himself unavailable for this week's game, and the friendly against Oman on Tuesday, due to his disappointment at being left on the bench for the whole of Euro 2012.
Tardelli, who has worked under Trapattoni during his four years in charge, has hit out at his compatriot's critics and claims that the 73-year-old is more determined than ever to lead the Republic to success despite the recent criticism.
"Giovanni wants to work always every day. He is full of enthusiasm, just like he was the first time I met him," he added.
"I don't understand why Giovanni is (being criticised)... because he achieved good results."
