Luka Modric, Croatia

Damien Duff knows Luka Modric, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, is an excellent player

Fulham star Damien Duff is wary of the threat that Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric poses to the Republic of Ireland when they take on Croatia tomorrow.

The Whites winger is excited about starting the tournament after waiting 10 years to play in a major tournament after the 2002 World Cup.

“We just want to get rocking now. We’re sick of all the waiting around. I more or less stayed in bed all day on our day off,” he admitted.

“Croatia are a top team and they have been there or thereabouts for as long as I can remember. They went to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1998 and they have top players like Modric.

“I keep hearing that they will be going all out for the three points, but I don’t think a point is the end of the world in your opening game.”