Duff fears relegation repeat

Damien Duff has admitted that the memory of being relegated with Blackburn is helping to drive him on. 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.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."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."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."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.He said: "This game is huge and we are going to need all of the fans right behind us again."It doesn't come much bigger for me personally - it's one of the biggest gamesI have been involved with in my whole career."Newcastle have yet to win in five games under new manager Alan Shearer but Duff maintains that he has had a positive impact."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."Training and everything else has been brilliant, and obviously having him around has been great. He's a hero of mine."The spirit is definitely still there."

Source: SKY_Sports