Source: SKY_Sports
Duff fears relegation repeat
Damien Duff has admitted that the memory of being relegated with Blackburn is helping to drive him on.[LNB] The Republic of Ireland international was unable to keep Rovers in the top flight in 1999 and he fears the same fate could befall Newcastle this season.[LNB]The Magpies are currently three points adrift of safety with three games remaining and Duff is determined to avoid dropping out of the division for a second time in his career.[LNB]"I got relegated with Blackburn. I'm not sure how many of the other lads in the dressing room have, but it's not a nice feeling to have, and it was the lowest point of my career," he said.[LNB]"I don't want it to happen again, so I will be doing everything I can - and I'm sure the other lads will as well - to keep us up."[LNB]HugeNewcastle face local rivals Middlesbrough next Monday in a massive clash for both clubs and Duff admits it will be one of the biggest games of his career.[LNB]He said: "This game is huge and we are going to need all of the fans right behind us again.[LNB]"It doesn't come much bigger for me personally - it's one of the biggest games[LNB]I have been involved with in my whole career."[LNB]Newcastle have yet to win in five games under new manager Alan Shearer but Duff maintains that he has had a positive impact.[LNB]"Since the gaffer has come in, it has been great. He has given the whole place a lift, and it would be nice to get a win for him," said the winger.[LNB]"Training and everything else has been brilliant, and obviously having him around has been great. He's a hero of mine.[LNB]"The spirit is definitely still there."[LNB]
