Damien Duff

Marco Tardelli wants Damien Duff to continue his international career

Republic of Ireland assistant Marco Tardelli has called on Damien Duff to remain an international player despite the Emerald Isle making an early exit from Euro 2012.

Ireland were beaten heavily by Spain and Croatia and with Duff turning 33 in March this year, question marks have been made about his international future.

“Damien Duff is a very good lad and he is a very good player,” Tardelli said.

“For us, he has been very important for this team, in qualification, against France and against the other teams.

“We need him for the future because he is a very important person for all the players and the younger players.”