Newcastle United FC

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Fresh Duff blow for Magpies

27 Mar 2009 - 08:31:47

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Newcastle United's fight to avoid relegation has taken a knock with the news that Damien Duff will be sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

The Republic of Ireland winger picked up his latest problem in training ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

Duff's time on Tyneside has been dogged by fitness problems, but this season has been relatively injury free for the former Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers wideman.

The 30-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the 18th-placed Magpies.

"He has had a season of disappointments as regards injuries this year and the lad was very down," revealed Republic of Ireland number two Liam Brady.

"But I was there when the manager spoke to him and the manager said this (World Cup qualifying) campaign is not yet halfway through and it's going to be a long road and we are going to need him.

"We just want to get him back fit and have him ready for the next game against Bulgaria on June 6.

"Damien went away knowing that (manager) Giovanni (Trapattoni) is really counting on him, so I think that picked him up a bit. But he was obviously very disappointed."