FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Damien Duff has played down recent speculation linking him with a move to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Duff’s appearance in the crowd during the Dublin club’s 3-0 win over Longford at Richmond Park on Friday night led many to believe he was set to commit his future to the Saints.

However, in an interview with the official FAI website, Duff has explained that he was attending the game as part of his Uefa coaching licence.

“Me ma was upset… She thought I was signing for Pat’s and I hadn’t told her

“We were obviously there analysing the game. We then had to put on a session today relating to the game.

“Longford were probably outclassed 3-0 and unfortunately I got Longford attacking [to work on].”

Duff added that he hopes to continue his playing career when fully fit, and wants to compete “for another year or so”.

He admitted his coaching course was “tough” and “nerve-racking” at times and was refreshingly honest when asked about his opinion of League of Ireland matches

“I wouldn’t really watch them over in England,” he said. “It’s not as if I’m coming home and it’s my dream to play for a club.”

Nevertheless, Duff said he was impressed by what he saw on Friday evening.

“There’s a lot of quality in the league — you only have to look at the other night. Chris Forrester’s first goal was an amazing goal.”

Check out the full interview below.

Football Association of Ireland / Vimeo

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